Theology Tuesday: "Do Not Judge"

The New “John 3:16” and the Misunderstanding of Judgment

For decades, John 3:16 held a high place in Christianity. Known by heart even by those far from faith, it was everywhere—stadiums, billboards, bumper stickers.

But today, a new verse has taken its place in public consciousness: Matthew 7:1. You may not recognize the reference, but you’ve heard its paraphrase: “Don’t judge me.”

This sentiment has become the mantra of our age, both within and outside the church. It’s weaponized as a shield against critique, often used to silence accountability and redefine love as blind acceptance.

But what does the Bible actually teach about judgment?

In Romans 14:10-12, Paul addresses judgment within the church. He tackles the boundaries of our authority, insight, and responsibility in judging others. His words remind us of the universal truth expressed in Romans 2:12-16 that we will go over Sunday:

“For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law... on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.”

Here, Paul makes it clear that God alone is the Judge. He weights the thoughts and intentions of every heart. Both passages affirm a key truth: we are all accountable to God, and His judgment is both impartial and just. This understanding is critical as we explore the limits of human judgment and our call to humility under God’s ultimate authority.

Let’s jump into Paul’s teaching on this often-misunderstood topic.

Judgment vs. Discernment

Paul’s focus in Romans 14:10-12 isn’t on whether Christians should make judgments at all—we make judgments every day. What time should I leave for work? Is this advice wise or not? These decisions are part of life.

But passing judgment is different. It assumes the authority to declare someone’s inner motives, spiritual standing, or moral worth, as if we could see their hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). That’s something only God can do.

Passing judgment means you look beyond what a person says or does into the very heart of the person as though you have the ability to discern. Whether they are genuinely saved or not, for example—that’s passing judgment.

Another common example:

Judgment: “He’s not a good fit for my needs.”

Passing judgment: “He’s dishonest, greedy, and selfish.”

The first assesses behavior or competency; the second claims insight into his soul. That’s the line we’re warned not to cross (Matthew 7:1-2).

Why We’re Unqualified to Judge

Paul gives three reasons why passing judgment is not our role:

1. We Lack the Authority

Judgment is the prerogative of God, the ultimate Judge (James 4:12). When we assume this role, we act not as siblings in Christ but as superiors. Yet we are not judges; we are fellow heirs of grace, standing on level ground at the foot of the cross. Passing judgment oversteps our role and disregards the brotherly affection commanded in Scripture (Romans 12:10).

2. We Lack the Insight

No one can see the thoughts and intentions of another person’s heart—often, we don’t fully understand our own (Jeremiah 17:9). And this is echoed in 1 Samuel 16:7, which reminds us that God alone sees the heart, while man sees only the outward appearance.

3. We Lack the Purity

All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). To pass judgment implies a moral superiority we don’t possess.

You cannot pass judgment on another because you are not righteous. You cannot pass judgment on another because you stand under the same judgment and the same sentence (hasn’t this been Paul’s argument in Romans 2:1-11 so far?!)

Paul’s warning is clear: When you judge others harshly, you expose your own sinfulness. We lack the purity required to act as judges (James 2:13).

When Judgment Is Necessary

Scripture also makes clear there are times when judgment is not only appropriate but required. Paul’s teaching in Romans 14 focuses on matters of personal conviction, not sin or heresy. However, the Bible outlines specific scenarios where judgment is a necessary act of faithfulness.

1. Rebuking Sin

While personal preferences should not divide us, sin must be addressed.

The Bible doesn’t say, “If your brother sins against you, don’t judge him.” No, Matthew 18:15 says, “If your brother sins against you.” Again, not if your brother has a preference that is different than your preference. But “go and tell him his fault between you and him alone” (Matthew 18:15).

Jesus outlines a process for confronting sin that seeks restoration, not condemnation further in Matthew 18:16-20. There’s a responsibility to do that, a time, and a place, and a way to do that.

Why Rebuke?

--It is biblical. Paul rebuked Peter when his actions undermined the gospel (Galatians 2:11). Scripture itself is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

--It is loving. Jesus said, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline” (Revelation 3:19). True love confronts sin to restore, not to condemn (Proverbs 27:6).

--It protects. Rebuke defends individuals and the church from harm. Pastor-elders are called to rebuke sin and correct false teaching to protect the flock (2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9).

--It restores. The goal is always restoration—James 5:19-20: “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death.”

When to Rebuke

Scripture provides wisdom for discerning when rebuke is necessary:

--The more hurtful the sin or error. When sin destroys marriages, churches, or lives, rebuke is urgent and necessary (Galatians 6:1).

--The more likely the issue will escalate. A pattern of behavior—left unchecked—can grow into a larger problem (Proverbs 19:25).

--The more blind the person is to their sin. When sin is habitual and unrecognized, rebuke is vital to bring clarity and repentance (Matthew 18:15-17).

--The more habitual the sin. Isolated missteps may need gentle correction, but repeated sin requires a firm rebuke to address the root problem (Proverbs 28:13).

--The more accountable you are. Rebuke is most necessary when silence would make you complicit—especially in relationships of trust, such as with family, friends, or church members (Ezekiel 33:6).

--The more the name of Christ is dishonored. Public and flagrant sins that harm the witness of the gospel require a sterner rebuke (1 Timothy 5:20).

--The more the gospel is threatened. Issues of doctrinal error must be confronted to safeguard the integrity of the faith (Galatians 1:8-9).

How to Rebuke

When rebuking, Scripture calls us to act with wisdom, humility, and love.

--Know whom you are rebuking. Treat different people appropriately:

Sheep: Deal gently with believers who are struggling (Galatians 6:1).

Wolves: Firmly oppose those who harm the church with false teaching (Titus 1:10-11).

Leaders: Rebuke publicly only when persistent sin warrants it (1 Timothy 5:20).

--Know who you are. Avoid rebuking out of self-righteousness or eagerness. Those quick to rebuke often lack the humility needed to do it well (James 3:1; Proverbs 17:27).

--Check your heart. Rebuke should aim at another’s growth, not as an outlet for your frustration. “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19).

--Check your eye. Address your own sin before pointing out someone else’s faults (Matthew 7:3-5).

--Don’t be loud if you can be soft. Start with gentleness: “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). Use firmness only as a last resort (2 Corinthians 13:10).

2. Guarding Against Heresy

Heresy—teaching that contradicts key Christian biblical teaching—is another area where judgment is necessary.

In 2 John, John tells us, if somebody comes to you and they’re denying the essential doctrines of the faith, don’t let them in your house (vv. 10-11).

This is not an act of personal condemnation but one of obedience to Scripture. I don’t have to pass judgment on you as an individual to say that what you’re teaching is heresy. It’s unacceptable—not based on my authority, not based on my insight, not based on my purity, but based on what I’m commanded from the Word of God.

The focus is on protecting the gospel and remaining faithful to biblical truth (Galatians 1:8-9).

Conclusion

Paul’s message in Romans 14:10-12 in step with Romans 2:12-16 reminds us to reconsider how we view judgment. “Don’t judge me” isn’t a call to ignore sin or truth but a reminder of our limitations and the gospel’s call to humility. As we navigate relationships in the church and beyond, let’s remember that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Let that truth shape how we speak, act, and love.