(Matthew 7:1) While it may be necessary to make judgments about others in certain situations, what does Jesus mean when He tells us to “Judge not”? In the context, He is forbidding judging others harshly and hypocritically. We also should not judge by appearance, in areas of liberty. We must not act as THE Judge! Our primary focus is not to condemn but to restore.

Some judging needs to be done! The word “judge” can mean “to pronounce judgment; to expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism.”   The Bible mentions several situations in which it is necessary to judge others Matthew 7:6, 15-20; 1 Cor. 5:3-14; 6:1-5

Jesus forbids certain kinds of judging! Do not judge hypocritically! Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 2:1; John 7:19-24 Do not judge by appearance! John 7:24; 1 Timothy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 13:5 Do not judge in areas of liberty! Romans 14:2, 10, 13; Colossians 2:16 Do not judge as THE Judge! James 4:10-12; 5:9 Do not judge primarily to condemn, but to restore! Galatians 6:1