How to avoid being judgmental Christians
In Christianity, love holds paramount importance and Christians are consistently reminded of their calling to love one another. This is because it embraces the core teachings of their faith.
However, as fallible human beings, it is too easy to stumble into the snare of judgment.
The act of judging others brings harm to the person you judge. But it also inflicts damage upon the one who passes judgment.
Recognizing this as a Christian, you are to explore ways to navigate this delicate balance. You are to avoid the pitfalls of being judgmental.
This article delves into the difference between being judgmental and being discerning, both in the context of what it means to love.
It also lists signs that you are being judgmental.
Most importantly, offers practical insights on how to steer clear of judgmental tendencies. This way, you can help foster a more inclusive and compassionate community.
How love makes a difference in being judgmental vs being discerning
As a Christian, you must understand the difference between being judgmental and being discerning.
God expects us to exercise discernment. This is without resorting to harshness or unkindness in your judgments.
In the Bible, we find the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Her story is a powerful example of Jesus’ discernment and love in action.
The religious leaders of that time brought the woman before Jesus. They intend to trap Him with a judgmental question.
Instead of condemning her, Jesus responded with wisdom and compassion. He acknowledged her sin while extending forgiveness and encouraging her to sin no more.
The story highlights the balance between discernment and love. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth with kindness and grace.
Being judgmental of others is equal to losing sight of love. This is because when you adopt a harsh and unforgiving attitude, you fail to reflect the very nature of God. Remember, He is compassionate and merciful.
At the same time, being completely uncritical disregards God’s holiness and truth.
Scripture reminds you that God calls upon you to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
This means that you should discern right from wrong, but you should also exercise kindness and understanding towards others.
Avoiding being judgmental
In your journey as a Christian, avoiding the trap of being judgmental is a continuous challenge.
It calls for intentional effort. So, the question now is how?
Read some of these tips and, hopefully, gain insight from them.
Acknowledge your shortcomings
Being blind to your sins is a key aspect of being judgmental. It reveals a hypocritical nature within you.
As the Bible points out in Romans 2:1,
“Therefore, you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another, you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.”
When you judge others while turning a blind eye to your faults, you deceive yourself and fail to recognize your need for forgiveness and growth.
You must engage in self-examination and acknowledge your own shortcomings.
Be humble and repent
Like in the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, he challenged the religious leaders by saying,
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).
In connection to acknowledging your shortcomings, you are to recognize your own need for grace and forgiveness. This way, you become less inclined to cast judgment with hypocritical double standards.
Afterward, repent because it opens the door to reconciliation with God and others. This is as you seek forgiveness and make amends for the pain you may have inflicted through your judgmental behavior.
Furthermore, repentance enables you to align yourself with God’s will and His perfect standards.
It serves as a constant reminder of your dependence on His mercy and grace.
Be understanding
Imagine this situation— a fellow church member arrives late to Sunday worship services. You then find yourself presuming to know the reason behind their tardiness.
Then, you begin to assume that they lack commitment. Alternatively, they have no regard for the importance of gathering in worship.
Without seeking their perspective or considering any underlying circumstances, you treat your suspicions as facts.
Recognize that you do not have the authority to suspect others and treat these suspicions as facts. Only God knows a person’s motives.
1 Corinthians 4:5 emphasizes that it is God who will judge the hidden motives of individuals at the Judgment Seat of Christ. So, take this as a reminder to refrain from assuming or passing premature judgments based on our limited understanding.
Instead, you are to extend grace and seek understanding. Leave the ultimate judgment to God’s divine wisdom and justice.
Bring them to restoration
Consider a situation where you observe a friend struggling with a recurring sin pattern in their life.
However, you choose to distance yourself. Then, you label them as hopeless. You believe that they will never change.
In doing so, you neglect the Biblical principle of addressing sin in love. Moreover, you miss the opportunity to extend a helping hand.
As a Christian, you are to humbly correct and restore other people. Moreover, you should do so with love and gentleness.
Galatians 6:1 reminds you,
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”
So, it is not your place to condemn or label others as hopeless. Rather, you are to approach them and offer guidance for their spiritual growth.
Discern receptivity
Discerning receptivity is an essential aspect of your interactions with others. It is in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:6. This verse, structured in the form of a chiasm, serves as a warning. It is about offering what is sacred to those who would not value or appreciate it.
Because of this, Jesus prompts you to consider whether the person you approach will be receptive or potentially respond with mockery and disdain.
In this regard, Proverbs 9:7-8 advises on the outcomes of rebuke and correction.
Rebuking a wise person can foster a deeper appreciation and love.
However, the opposite holds true for mockers and the wicked. Correcting mockers can invite insults.
Meanwhile, rebuking the wicked may result in abuse.
Hence, discernment becomes crucial. It is for determining whether your efforts to address or guide others will be fruitful and received with open hearts.
Be free from a judgmental spirit
In a world that often breeds judgment and division, embrace a mindset free from a judgmental spirit. As a Christian, you are called to walk in the footsteps of the Savior.
Like Him, welcome the broken and extended love to all.
Breaking free from the chains of judgmentalism. This way, you create space for love, understanding, and genuine connection with others.
So, heed the call to examine your heart and repent of being judgmental.
Then, approach others with empathy. Seek to understand rather than condemn. Extend grace and forgiveness, as you have been a recipient of God’s unending mercy.
As the apostle James reminds us in James 2:13,
“Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of mercy and grace in your interactions with others.
Create an environment where healing, reconciliation, and genuine connection can thrive.
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