1,123 words, 6 minutes read time.
Jesus’ command to “not judge” is one of the most discussed and often misunderstood parts of his teachings. At first glance, it seems straightforward: don’t condemn others. However, in the Gospel of Matthew, this phrase is part of a deeper message on wisdom, self-reflection, and the power of empathy. Today, we’ll unpack what Jesus was really asking of his followers, and how his words are meant to transform not only how we view others, but also ourselves.
Understanding the Context of “Do Not Judge”
In Matthew 7:1, Jesus states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” It’s part of a larger discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls his followers to live with integrity, compassion, and a “greater righteousness.” This call goes beyond simple rules; it’s about cultivating the very heart of God’s wisdom.
Jesus’ statement is rooted in the Old Testament’s call for justice, fairness, and mercy. By instructing his followers to avoid judgment, he redirects them toward a path of humility and empathy. As BibleProject explains, “the earnest quest for doing good could lead to a lack of self-awareness and a judgmental attitude.” Instead of condemning, Jesus wants his followers to recognize their own “blind spots” and biases, turning judgment inward as an opportunity for self-reflection.
Empathy Over Judgment: Why Jesus Taught Self-Reflection First
In his teaching, Jesus uses the memorable parable of a “speck” and a “beam.” He asks, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but don’t notice the beam in your own eye?” This vivid metaphor is a call to humility. It invites us to recognize that our perspective on others may be skewed by our own issues. Just as it’s easier to spot a small flaw in someone else, it’s harder to identify and deal with the major obstacles in our own lives.
This teaching emphasizes that our judgments are often less about another person’s true character and more about our own inner struggles. To judge fairly, Jesus encourages self-awareness first: “First take the beam out of your own eye and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Essentially, Jesus advises against casting judgment before ensuring that we’re coming from a place of understanding and integrity.
This advice resonates even more in today’s culture, where social media amplifies people’s tendency to judge quickly and without context. Dr. Peter Scazzero, author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, describes the importance of recognizing our own “emotional blind spots” and dealing with them to foster healthier relationships with others. “It’s only when we’re aware of our own wounds and flaws that we can genuinely relate to others without judgment,” he notes.
When Judgment Isn’t the Answer: Timing and Discernment in Helping Others
Jesus’ teachings aren’t advocating for a total hands-off approach, though. There are situations where it’s necessary to step in and offer support. However, he makes it clear that this requires discernment. Using the metaphor of “throwing pearls to pigs,” he warns that offering guidance to those not ready to receive it can lead to misunderstanding or resentment.
This wisdom aligns with the Biblical proverb, “Do not correct a fool, or you will incur insult; instead, correct a wise person and they will love you.” Jesus’ point here is that wisdom lies not in casting judgment indiscriminately but in knowing when to offer guidance and when to simply listen. BibleProject points out, “Knowing when or when not to get involved requires discernment.”
In practice, this means we’re called to approach others with sensitivity, knowing that our help will be most effective when someone is truly ready for it. When someone is open to receiving, our guidance can genuinely make a difference. When they’re not, it can backfire. By understanding timing and readiness, we honor the other person’s autonomy and journey while still living in wisdom.
The Golden Rule and the Power of Empathy
Jesus concludes this section of his teachings with what has become one of his most famous sayings, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” This Golden Rule forms the bedrock of empathetic living.
Rather than forcing guidance on others, Jesus encourages us to cultivate a spirit of empathy: How would I like to be treated if I were in their shoes? This is a challenge to imagine ourselves in someone else’s situation before acting. It’s also a reminder that true wisdom often begins with the simple acts of kindness, patience, and compassion we wish others would show us.
In daily life, this Golden Rule can transform our interactions with everyone, from close friends and family members to strangers online. When we see someone struggling, we can remember how we’d feel in their place and offer support in a way that respects their journey and acknowledges their humanity.
Asking God for Wisdom: A Lifelong Practice
Living without judgment and with empathy doesn’t come naturally for most of us. Recognizing our biases and choosing empathy over judgment requires wisdom, which is why Jesus encourages us to seek it from God actively: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find.”
As BibleProject puts it, “The God of the Bible is like a generous parent” who gladly provides wisdom to those who sincerely seek it. Jesus invites us to rely on this wisdom, both in understanding ourselves and in knowing when to extend or withhold guidance.
This ongoing dialogue with God is what ultimately allows us to grow into people who genuinely reflect Christ’s love and empathy. It’s a journey, but each small act of wisdom and empathy can have a profound impact on our lives and those around us.
Conclusion: Living Out Jesus’ Call to Love Over Judgment
Jesus’ command to “not judge” isn’t about ignoring wrongdoing or allowing others to harm themselves. Rather, it’s a call to a more profound understanding of ourselves and others. It’s about choosing to address our own flaws, exercising discernment in offering help, and living by the Golden Rule.
In a world that’s quick to judge, this approach may seem radical, but it’s also deeply freeing. When we leave judgment behind, we open ourselves to a life rooted in compassion and empathy—a life that truly embodies Jesus’ vision of a “greater righteousness.”
So, the next time we feel the urge to judge, let’s pause. Let’s ask ourselves how we would like to be judged, and let’s turn that urge into an opportunity for reflection and empathy. And as Jesus taught, let’s seek God’s wisdom at every step.
Hat tip to BibleProject for inspiring this post. Check out their video for more insights on this powerful teaching: “Jesus Said ‘Do Not Judge.’ What Do We Do Instead?”.
1 thought on “What Jesus Meant by ‘Do Not Judge’ — And What to Do Instead”