Scripture Reading:

• Matthew 7:1-2: Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged (NLT).
• Luke 6:37-38: Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back (NLT).

The teachings of Jesus often challenge us to see the world through a radically different lens—one of mercy, grace, and generosity. In Matthew 7:1-2 and Luke 6:37-38, Jesus calls His followers to refrain from judgment. These words, spoken during His “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew) and the “Sermon on the Plain” (Luke), are foundational to understanding what it means to live according to God’s Kingdom. But what did Jesus mean by “do not judge,” and why is this such a critical aspect of His teaching?

Historical Context

To grasp the full meaning of Jesus’ words, we must first understand the context in which He spoke them. Both Matthew and Luke place these teachings within larger sections addressing the ethics of the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ audience consisted of common people—peasants, fishermen, and outcasts—who lived under Roman occupation and were burdened by the legalistic religious system of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and their tendency to judge others without showing compassion who did not meet their standards. Jesus’ teachings were, in part, a response to this kind of judgmentalism.

In this context, “judging” refers not to discernment, but to harshly condemning others, especially based on external appearances or perceived failings. Jesus, in contrast, came to show a different way—one that was rooted in grace and compassion. When He told His followers, “Do not judge,” He was pointing to a broader principle: that we are not to take the position of God, who alone has the right to judge. Instead, we are to approach one another with love, humility, and an understanding of our own flaws and need for forgiveness.

What Jesus Meant by “Do Not Judge”

1. Judgment Belongs to God Alone: In both passages, Jesus emphasizes that judgment is not our role.  In the Old Testament God is often depicted as a judge who rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. It often speaks of God as the ultimate Judge who discerns the hearts of men. Jesus, by teaching His followers not to judge, was reminding them that only God can see the heart fully and righteously. It is not for us to make definitive judgments about others’ lives, as we are not privy to their inner struggles or circumstances.
2. A Call to Humility and Self-Reflection: When Jesus warns, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged,” He is not simply forbidding condemnation; He is also inviting us to examine ourselves. The call to avoid judgment is a call to humility, urging us to look inward before we look outward. Jesus speaks about the speck and the plank—how we can easily see the small faults in others while ignoring the larger ones in ourselves (Matthew 7:3-5). This self-awareness is essential to the message of Jesus: only those who recognize their own imperfections and need for mercy are equipped to show mercy to others.
3. Mercy Over Judgment: Luke 6:37-38 extends this teaching further by connecting judgment with condemnation and forgiveness. Jesus teaches that when we show mercy—when we forgive, refrain from condemning, and generously give—we reflect the heart of God. God’s Kingdom is not about punishing or exacting retribution but about extending grace. Just as we desire God’s mercy for our own failures, we are called to offer the same mercy to others.
4. The Principle of Reciprocity: Jesus also introduces the principle that the way we treat others will be the measure used toward us. In other words, the manner in which we judge others will come back to us, whether for good or ill. This idea is powerful because it emphasizes that our actions are not isolated; they are part of a larger spiritual economy. If we live by grace and mercy, we open ourselves to receiving the same. If we live by judgment and condemnation, we risk being met with the same harshness.

Applying the Teaching in Your Everyday Life

To “not judge” is not to be passive or indifferent toward others’ actions, but rather to approach them with a heart of understanding, seeking reconciliation and healing instead of condemnation. It calls us to adopt an attitude of grace that flows from recognizing our own brokenness and need for forgiveness.

We shouldn’t judge others based on our own flawed standards or with a sense of superiority. When we forgive others, we can expect forgiveness from God. When we give generously, we can expect generosity in return. The “good measure” refers to the abundant blessings that come from living a life of love, forgiveness, and generosity. 

Jesus is not saying that we should never make judgments or discernments. Rather, He is warning against hypocritical or self-righteous judgment  and condemnation. We should not assume the role of judge, jury, and executioner in the lives of others. Here’s an example: Sarah and John are colleagues in the office. Sarah notices that John is often late to work. She judges him as irresponsible and lazy. However, Sarah herself is often late to meetings and has a tendency to procrastinate. By judging John, Sarah is ignoring her own flaws and holding John to a standard that she doesn’t meet herself. That is hypocrisy. 

Here’s another example involving two friends—Emily and Michael. Emily discovers that her friend, Michael, has been struggling with addiction. Instead of offering support and encouragement, Emily condemns Michael for his weakness and tells him that he’s a disappointment. She dismisses Michael entirely, thinking he doesn’t deserve any help or grace. Emily’s reaction is not only hurtful but also ignores the fact that she herself has struggled with her own flaws and weaknesses in the past. By condemning Michael, Emily is failing to show compassion and empathy. Instead of offering support or understanding, 

In both examples, Sarah and Emily are judging others in a way that is hypocritical and condemning. They are failing to recognize their own flaws and weaknesses, and instead, are holding others to an unrealistic standard. Condemning someone in such a way disregards the possibility of redemption or transformation. Instead of showing mercy, the person harshly condemns the individual without showing grace or compassion. Jesus encourages us to forgive and offer grace, not condemnation.

The Right Way To Judge Others

Based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:1-2 and Luke 6:37-38, the right way to judge others is with love, humility, mercy, self-awareness, and a heart that seeks to restore, not condemn. Here’s how:

1. Examine Yourself First (Matthew 7:3-5): Before judging others, look inward at your own flaws and shortcomings. Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment—it’s crucial to address your own issues before pointing out others’ mistakes.
2. Show Mercy and Forgiveness (Luke 6:37-38): Instead of condemning, extend grace. Jesus teaches that we should forgive others, just as we desire forgiveness from God. Our judgment should be compassionate, not harsh or punitive.
3. Encourage Restoration (Galatians 6:1): When correction is necessary, do so gently and with the goal of helping the person grow, not to shame them. Jesus’ judgment is redemptive, not destructive.

While the Bible does caution against judging others in the sense of condemning or looking down on them, it also encourages believers to exercise discernment and hold one another accountable for their actions. The key is to approach others with love, humility, and a desire to restore and edify, rather than to condemn or tear down. 

Instead of harshly judging your friend, you could offer him a compliment or engage in a conversation to get to know him better before making any assumptions, and offer advice only if he asks for it. You could also pray for him, trusting that God is at work in their lives, just as He is in yours. This reflects the mercy and grace Jesus showed toward those who were often marginalized, like the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) and the woman who anointed His feet with perfume (Luke 7:36-50), where He extended forgiveness and grace rather than judgment.