Judging vs Judgement

By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.

Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.

Judging vs Judgement

Scripture Focus: Matthew 7:1–2, John 7:24, Galatians 6:1, Proverbs 27:17

Understanding the Tension

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”These words from Matthew 7:1–2 are among the most quoted verses in Scripture — yet also some of the most misunderstood.

As believers, many of us wrestle with this: Where is the line between judgment and discernment? We know that only God is the final Judge, but we’re also called to live with spiritual awareness — to hold one another accountable in love and truth.

This tension is what we explore in Episode 14 of In the Light of Truth.

What Jesus Really Meant

In Matthew 7, Jesus warns against the wrong kind of judging — hypocritical, condemning, and self-righteous criticism.

“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?” — Matthew 7:3

He isn’t forbidding all judgment. In fact, just a few verses later, Jesus says:

“Watch out for false prophets… By their fruit you will recognize them.” — Matthew 7:15–16

Discernment is necessary to know truth from deception. The key is our heart posture.

The BibleRef commentary puts it beautifully: “What Christ condemns is shallow, hypocritical, or selfish criticism of others.” In contrast, John 7:24 reminds us to “stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

God calls us not to condemn — but to discern rightly and love sincerely.

Checking Our Motives

Before we ever speak into someone else’s life, we must ask:

• What is my motive?

• Am I doing this out of love or pride?

• Do I have all the facts?

• Is this about sin, or just a difference of opinion?

Proverbs 19:5 warns, “A false witness will not go unpunished.” We’re cautioned not to speak before we understand. And we’re reminded in Romans 2:1 that hypocrisy has no place in righteous judgment.

True accountability should always aim to restore, not shame.

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” — Galatians 6:1

Judging with Love

To judge with love means to point out sin to bring healing, not humiliation. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

But sharpening only works in the context of relationship. Before correction comes connection. We can’t hold someone accountable if we haven’t first shown them care.

When correction happens within friendship and trust, it’s received as love — not condemnation.

For believers, this means inviting accountability both ways:

“Hey, I want to talk about something I’ve noticed, but please tell me if there’s anything in my life that needs correction too.”

That’s humility. That’s love in action.

When and How to Speak

Not every situation calls for confrontation. Sometimes, God calls us simply to pray and wait.

Discernment means asking the Holy Spirit for timing and wisdom. There are moments when silence and prayer are more powerful than words. And there are other times when the most loving thing we can do is speak truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.

“The wounds of a friend can be trusted.” — Proverbs 27:6

Still, the Bible makes clear that our tone should always reflect Christ’s heart: “Restore gently.”

Accountability Is Love

Accountability isn’t judgmental — it’s protective. Ignoring sin or brushing things under the rug isn’t loving; it’s enabling.

If we truly love our brothers and sisters in Christ, we’ll care more about their spiritual growth than our own comfort. We’ll have hard conversations when the Holy Spirit prompts us to — not to condemn, but to guide.

At the same time, we must remember that unbelievers or those far from faith need compassion, not confrontation. Their eyes haven’t yet been opened. What they need most is to see Christ’s love lived out through us.

Removing the Plank

Jesus’ words about removing the plank from our own eye first remind us that we are all works in progress. When we’re tempted to point out someone else’s flaw, God often reveals a reflection of our own.

Humility opens the door for healing — in us and in others.

The World’s Way vs. God’s Way

The world judges harshly. It cancels, condemns, and persecutes without knowing the full story.God’s way is the opposite. He calls us to truth tempered with grace, justice wrapped in mercy, and judgment rooted in love.

Even in recent events — such as the public criticism and falsehoods surrounding Christian leaders like Charlie Kirk — we see the contrast between worldly judgment and righteous discernment. The world destroys; Christ restores.

Walking in Discernment

As believers, we’re not called to silence — but to spirit-led discernment.We are to stand firm in truth, led by the Holy Spirit, and motivated by love.Sometimes that means speaking; other times, it means praying. In every case, it means trusting that God is the ultimate Judge.

So before judging, let’s pause and pray:

• “Lord, reveal my heart.”

• “Show me if there’s a plank in my own eye.”

• “Give me wisdom to love like You do.”

  
  

Final Thoughts

True love speaks truth.But it does so with humility, gentleness, and compassion.

Accountability is one of the greatest gifts within the body of Christ — not to tear down, but to build up. When we hold one another accountable in love, we grow more like Jesus.

“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” — John 7:24

Let’s be believers who discern wisely, love deeply, and reflect Christ faithfully.

🎧 Listen to Episode 14: "Judging vs Judgement" https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zrEB5JxyDtC0OEodelgWI?si=U9iYbWU4SS-QQ2UCDfPuBQ

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