TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER
Unbelievers who are confronted about a sin often reach for the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1, which say to judge not lest you be judged. It has become the favourite verse of many who want to deflect correction. A closer look at the surrounding text shows a different picture.
In that same passage, Jesus went on to say that holy things should not be given to dogs and pearls should not be thrown to swine. Following that instruction requires a decision about who qualifies as a dog or a pig, and making that decision is an act of discernment. Believers are expected to use it so the glories of the gospel are not wasted on people who would tear them to shreds, much as wild pigs would.
So the words about judging cannot forbid all evaluation of other people. They address the matter of final verdicts. The scribes and Pharisees of Judaism had set themselves up as a divine court of last resort, handing down personal judgments as though they were God. Nobody else has the right to occupy that position.
Believers may discern and evaluate. Discernment is, in fact, essential for knowing how to approach people with the gospel. The final judgment belongs to God, who has perfect knowledge, and Christians can be content to leave it with him.
Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5
