Is it ever right for a Christian to judge? I think the answer is yes.

In the above verse Jesus is talking about a specific kind of judging, condemning judgment.

Below is a contrast between the two kinds of judging.

Condemning Judgment

Matthew 7:1 - 5 (NKJV) ¹“Judge not, that you be not judged. ²For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. ³And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? ⁴Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? ⁵Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

John 7:24 (NKJV) do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

• Quick

• Focused on others’ faults

• Appearances

• Legalistic

• Motives

Discerning Judgment

Matthew 7:6 (NKJV) do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

John 7:24 (NKJV) do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

Matthew 7:15-16 (NKJV)"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. [16] You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?

• Careful

• Examines self

• Evidence

• Gracious

• Actions

(I am indebted to Pastor Lewis Bell for some of the above material)