The Balance of Judgment and Love: A Biblical Perspective

“As Christians, we are called to reflect God’s love while upholding His standards.”

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 18, 2025

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. John 7:24, ESV

Perhaps you’ve heard that “we should not judge.” In an effort to appear loving and accepting, we are often pressured to overlook sin in our culture and in the lives of others, so that all people feel welcomed. However, true love does not merely accept; it seeks to help others overcome sin so they can fully experience the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

While we should never make others feel judged or hated, we must also avoid enabling behaviors that align with ungodly influences. In these last days, Scripture warns that many will be led astray by doctrines of demons. Our responsibility as believers is to find the delicate balance between love and truth, acceptance and accountability.

Four Levels of Judgment

1. Emotional Judgment
   Emotional judgment often prevents us from forming meaningful connections. A few years ago, I realized that the Lord was convicting me of making emotional judgments about people before even getting to know them. This habit kept me from weaving their stories into my own.

One day, as my husband and I were walking down the street, I made an unkind comment about someone I didn’t even know. The Holy Spirit gently convicted me, saying, “I’ve been trying to get you to stop doing that.” It was a pivotal moment, teaching me how easily unchecked thoughts can distance us from others and from God’s heart.

2. Judgmental Words
   Words have power. When we verbalize judgments, we not only reinforce our biases but also influence others negatively. It’s not that we should ignore sin, but we should refrain from condemning people. Instead, our words should reflect Christ’s love, offering hope and pointing others to His grace.
3. Judgment in Actions
   Judgment doesn’t stop with thoughts and words; it often manifests in our actions. Negative emotions and preconceived notions can shape how we treat others, creating barriers rather than bridges. Each level of ungodly judgment adds layers of difficulty for both the judged and the one judging, fostering bondage instead of freedom.
4. Discernment vs. Judgment
   While we are called to love, this doesn’t mean we must maintain close relationships with individuals who are harmful or unrepentant. There is a critical difference between judgment and discernment. Discernment requires us to align our perceptions and decisions with Scripture, evaluating situations and behaviors through the lens of God’s truth.

A Biblical Foundation for Righteous Judgment

In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul addresses the issue of judging sin within the church:

“For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. Purge the evil person from among you.”

Paul makes a clear distinction between judging those within the church and those outside of it. Believers are called to exercise discernment within their communities, addressing sin lovingly yet firmly. However, when it comes to those outside the faith, ultimate judgment belongs to God alone.

Conclusion

True love doesn’t shy away from the truth. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His love while upholding His standards. We must resist both the temptation to harshly judge and the tendency to overlook sin under the guise of acceptance. By walking in discernment, grounded in Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit, we can create spaces where grace and truth coexist, guiding others toward the transformative love of Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with Your love, a love that embraces truth without fear. Help us reflect Christ’s compassion while upholding Your holy standards. Guard us from the extremes of harsh judgment and passive acceptance. Instead, grant us discernment, rooted in Your Word and guided by the Holy Spirit. May we create spaces where grace and truth walk hand in hand, leading others to the transformative power of Jesus’ love. In His precious name, we pray. Amen.

Application

Apply Biblical discernment in your own life. Regularly assess your actions and motives, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you might be too lenient with sin or overly critical of others.

Related Reading

Proverbs 11:9; James 3:17; Ephesians 4:15-16

Worship Resource

Casting Crowns: Love You with the Truth

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