“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
—Matthew 7:1
Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged,” are among His most quoted yet often misunderstood teachings. He is not forbidding discernment or wisdom—Scripture clearly calls us to make righteous judgements (John 7:24) and to lovingly restore those caught in sin (Galatians 6:1). Instead, Jesus addresses the heart and attitude behind our judgement.
Are we criticizing to elevate ourselves, or are we evaluating with humility and love? Wrongful judgment seeks to condemn, using another’s shortcomings as a way to stand taller ourselves. But judgement rooted in Christ’s love focuses on restoration, encouragement, and protection—not superiority or shaming. Gracious love must always be our motive.
We know how it feels to receive unloving judgement. It stings and isolates, leaving us longing for a world free of rejection and condemnation. When we feel that sting, we can take refuge in the freedom of knowing we live before God as our ultimate audience. He sees us fully, understands us completely, and loves us deeply—even when we fall short.
This grace frees us to extend the same to others. Rather than condemning, we can judge with love and humility, seeking to restore and encourage. May our judgements reflect the heart of Christ: gentle, redemptive, restorative, and full of grace.