Judgment vs. Judgmentalism

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. – Matthew 7:1–6 (ESV)

The Bible does not forbid judgement, but gives us standards and principles in good judgement.
1. The standard you use to judge others, God will use to judge _you_.
Matthew 7:1–2
WRONG: Overlook or ignore sins of others so we won’t be judged.
•RIGHT: Judge with extreme caution & clarity.
WRONG:
Matthew 26:6–13
RIGHT:
John 4
Christians are called to give unconditional love, NOT called to give unconditional approval.
2. Deal with your own sins _before_ you view the sins of others.
Matthew 7:3–5
WRONG: Be perfect, then judge.
RIGHT: Be fully aware you have the tendency to _exaggerate_ the faults of others while at the same time _minimizing_ your own.
Our vision is often distorted by our own faults.
3. Make sure your judgments match God’s judgments.
Matthew 7:6
Balancing love with discernment.
WRONG: Avoid your opinions. Avoid silence.
RIGHT: Align your discernment with God’s Word. Speak Truth.
4. You should _never_ _condemn_.
Luke 6:35–38
Condemnation in this context refers to the finality of judgment, the external consequences.
Balancing love with mercy.
James 2:13
5. Always judge with _grace_.
Ephesians 4:1–7
Ephesians 4:15
Final Question:
•How do we know we are judging rightly (righteous judgment)?
Final Answer:
•Always give full allowance for the Holy Spirit to check your heart and align our minds to the Word of God.
Final Word:
•Our judgment can be _righteous_ and our forgiveness can be _merciful_.
Forgiveness is to the soul what food is to the body.