Don’t Be So Judgmental

“Don’t be so judgmental. We are called to love people.”

This is a common one but you know what’s strange about it? That statement itself is a judgement.
You can’t have a view or opinion on something unless you have made a judgement. The statement “Don’t be so judgmental” comes from a standard or judgement that says it isn’t good to judge people.
Some even use the words of Jesus from Matthew 7 to back this up. But as usual, you need to make sure you have the full context of it, Jesus said..

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? … Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

In other words, He’s warning against making judgments in a hypocritical or condemning manner – like a Pharisee.
But Jesus emphasizes: judge yourself first before you make judgments about others – “…First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

So let’s be clear and open with each other on this one – we’re all making some kind of judgement. There are 2 real issues here:

Firstly, let’s not mix up being judgmental with being obnoxious. We are not called to be obnoxious. We are called to be Salt and Light. People who are different and ones who preserve the good of society and in people. And light – ones who bring into sight the truth which is what ultimately will set people free.

Secondly, We are called to love and love does the hard things…and part of that is seeking the good of others. Love isn’t weak. Love doesn’t take the easy way out and say that’s all good when it isn’t. Love doesn’t sit idly by while people stumble and hurt themselves. Love rolls up its sleeves gets out there and rescues. That’s what loving people is…that’s what we’re called to.
And let’s not confuse tolerance with a lack of courage. Tolerant love is knowing something is wrong and working with someone through it, not dodging an issue due to a lack of courage.

Image from Internet (Justitia, Römerberg Square, Germany)