Condemnation vs. Discernment
If there are any verses or if there is any concept that believers and non-believerse alike misuse when facing correction, it is this one. Remember Jesus’ audience. These were people who sat under, for the most part, very legalistic teachers. It was all about rules and performance. If you didn’t meet the standard you were condemned. You were judged. The kind of judgement Jesus is talking about is the kind that condemns. That’s what the language means. Pronouncing final sentence kind of judging and condemnation. That is a far cry from the thing we are commanded to do in the New Testament, which is to keep an eye on one another, to lovingly point out sin, to correct one another. That is called discernment. Yet, when we do approach a brother or sister who is sinning, they play the “judge not lest ye be judged” card. There is a difference between condemnation and discernment. To judge/discern someone’s behavior to be contrary to God’s will and approach them with love and humility is a Biblical mandate. To judge/condemn someone out of a holier-than-thou heart is what Jesus is addressing here. When the time comes for your to give or receive correction, check your own heart first and seek the Lord for the appropriate response.
