If there is one thing we all hate, it is being judged. We so often quote the bible by saying “judge not lest you be judged.” But does the bible simply teach to never judge? In John 7:24 Jesus said: “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” So what do we do?
First, what does “judge” imply or mean? To many it has a meaning of evaluating and reacting quickly without thoroughly examining the entire situation.” But the dictionaries meaning of judging is “to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises”
True judgement can only be reached when an absolute standard exists, evidence is compared to the true standard, and the prosecution and defense have presented their case. Then the judge/jury takes all they’ve been presented, evaluate, and then give judgement. All this is to be done without bias and continuing to look to the true standard.
So where is the line? To judge or not? If you are going to make a quick, opinionated, assumptive judgement then Christ would say you have judged wrongly. But if you look at the situation, listen to both sides, compare the evidence to the perfect standard (God’s Word), take time to pray and deliberate then judging would be fair.
But there is one more step, you let the person know that you rendered a judgement. You do it quietly and graciously. Prepared with the biblical evidence. You do not share you judgement with those not involved. And you do it the whole time examining your own life.
The reality is that we need judges in our lives. But unfortunately most will never take the time needed to render a fair judgement. Many look only at the outside conditions, but fail to carry through listening to the heart.
Praise God that He is the ultimate judge for He is so gracious and kind. He is long suffering and patient with enduring love. He knows the hearts of man and women and will always have right judgement.
So when you are in doubt of having all evidence and proper motives leave it to Jesus. But never compromise His standard, the Word.
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Worship the righteous judge.
Day of judgment! Day of wonders!

Hark! the trumpet’s awful sound,

Louder than a thousand thunders,

Shakes the vast creation round!

How the summons wilt the sinner’s heart confound!
See the Judge, our nature wearing,

Clothed in majesty divine!

You who long for His appearing

Then shall say, “This God is mine!”

Gracious Savior, own me in that day for Thine!
At His call the dead awaken,

Rise to life from earth and sea;

All the powers of nature shaken

By His look, prepares to flee.

Careless sinner, what will then become of thee?
Horrors, past imagination,

Will surprise your trembling heart,

When you hear your condemnation,

“Hence, accursed wretch, depart!

Thou, with Satan and his angels, have thy part!”
Satan, who now tries to please you,

Lest you timely warning take,

When that word is past, will seize you,

Plunge you in the burning lake:

Think, poor sinner, thy eternal all’s at stake.
But to those who have confessèd,

Loved and served the Lord below,

He will say, “Come near, ye blessèd,

See the kingdom I bestow;

You forever shall My love and glory know.”
Under sorrows and reproaches,

May this thought your courage raise!

Swiftly God’s great day approaches,

Sighs shall then be changed to praise.