Well, let's take this morning for example. So many times we hear Christians and non-Christians quoting Matthew 7:1, "Judge not." It usually comes out as, "Don't judge," or, "You can't judge me." But is that true?
Like any Scripture, you can't isolate one verse or one part of a verse and not pay any attention to the words around it. It's called context. Context directs our interpretation and applications. Let's look at what Jesus said, shall we?
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgement 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." Matthew 7:1-5
What kind of judgment is Jesus talking about? Well, context shows us that Jesus is condemning hypocritical judgment, not all kinds of judgment.
John 7:24 confirms this approach, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
So Jesus is not saying that we should never judge, but that we should judge rightly and not hypocritically.
Furthermore, Jesus' instruction against hypocritical judgmentalism is in no way a prohibition against using discernment, which involves making judgments. We, as Christians, are supposed to make judgments when it comes to moral and spiritual issues, not because we are being intolerant or unfair, but because we are basing our judgments on the content of God's revelation. We should always think and act according to what we know from God's Word.
There is more I can say about this, but I want to keep it brief. If you have questions regarding this subject, don't hesitate to ask.
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