Judging or Discerning?

In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus teaches on a very crucial topic for interpersonal relationships. Judging is a big-time community breaker. Judging shuts down openness in the one being judged and severely hampers the one judging from experiencing life to the full. When we judge, we “play God,” usurping God’s unique role as the One and Only Judge. He is the only One who can both love and judge at the same time.

Jesus begins in 7:1-2 by simply commanding us not to judge…no exceptions. Judging injures all parties. We will be judged by whatever measure we use in judging others. What a powerful motivation! Which of us wants to be judged by others? Judging has at least two clear marks.

1. Judging imposes our own standards on others, even if we Christians quote our personal interpretation of Bible verses.
2. Judging evaluates the other negatively, speaking down on or against them, even if only in our hearts (James 4:11-12).

God designed us as image-bearers to observe accurately, leading to healthy discernment. In Matthew 7:20, Jesus instructs His people to discern true from false believers by their fruit. God designed us to observe and test ourselves and others against a life lived out like Jesus so we may grow. We must observe/discern or we cannot practice the NT commands of Galatians 6:1 and Matthew 18:15.

Since the Fall in Genesis 3, observation now easily degenerates into devastating judgment. So how do I differentiate between observing/ discerning and judging?

 

In the humorous story in 7:3-5, Mr. Plank observed a speck in the eye of Mr. Speck. The observation was accurate. Jesus commanded Mr. Plank first to discern the plank in his own eye to develop compassion, or he is a play actor (“hypocrite”). First discern and deal quickly with our own stuff. “Does observation first turn within, using the event as a mirror to reflect on my inner life (discern) or first look down on the other (judge)?”

 

Judging or discrimination holds this against them; discernment holds it for them to help. Release life by asking: “What is their real need?” Then Mr. Plank sees more accurately to come alongside Mr. Speck to help him align with God’s ways, if he is willing (7:6). We desperately need others to speak life into us (Gal 6:1).

1. Judging imposes our values on others; discerning looks through God’s perfect standard to focus on what is clear and crucial.
2. Judging unfavorably places us above the other; discerning agrees that we are still in-process; then builds up others as equals.
3. Judging eyes unseen motives (“You meant to…”); discerning, visible fruit. Only God is able simultaneously to love and judge.

This is Reflection #43 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com