Notice how so many people use the verses below to justify "don't judge" mantras. It is only the first verse in this passage that says that, it has been plucked out of context to justify acceptance of any and all sin. Let's analyze the rest of the verses below the "don't judge" verse and let's remember that in the original text in Greek, there were no verse divisions, one had to read the entire text to get the meaning.
Matthew 7:1-6
"7 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?
5 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."
We are told in verse 2-3 how to judge and never elevating self when we are doing the same thing we accuse others of doing. We are not innocent for not judging when we are doing the same thing, both the one being judged and ourselves are guilty of sin, we just have no right to arrogantly judge another for doing the same things we are doing.
In verse 5 we are told to get ourselves right, stop our sinning first and then we can help our brother see his sin.
All sin has already been judged by God. The judgement we are using is not our own, it is God's standard. We are merely the messengers of God to inform those we love, of the sin they are in, the consequences of it and the remedy.
Galatians 6:7-8 "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear."
Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
1 John 3:4 "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness."
The Remedy:
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
When we are confronted with sin in our lives our response ought to be to feel ashamed, confess it to those who know and to God, asking to be cleansed of that sin, thought Christ.
Today's response to a rebuke is often "don't judge" or "your judging" as though it is wrong to do so. If we do not ever judge circumstances or actions, then we will remain foolish and be of no use to anyone else.
Luke 17:3 ""Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him."
Matthew 18:15 ""If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother."
When someone staunchly proclaims that we are not to judge them, refuses to listen and remains contemptuous against us, we can be sure that the conversation has been spurned, the party refuses to receive it and it is time to move on.
Matthew 18:17 ""If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
2 Timothy 3:5 ""If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
We are commanded not to keep company with those who claim to be saved but live in sin as a lifestyle.
Romans 16:17-18 "17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
Those who claim to be Christian but will not tolerate a rebuke or correction, cannot learn until their heart of pride is broken into a humble heart of flesh. God is the only One Who can effectively work on them, He knows exactly what is needed, we do not. Sometimes we must get out of God's way so those who walk in rebellion will see only Him.
