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How to Stop Judging Others

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. It is written, ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:1-12 NLT

Accept other believers

For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Romans 14:2 NLT

Stop arguing

It is Christ alone where our faith is known. 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. Romans 8:1-3 NIV

You say, “I am allowed to do anything,”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything,”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NLT

For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Romans 8:7-10 NIV

When we condemn others and judge others wrongly, we are operating out of our flesh

Judging: One who is authorized and or appointed to decide a judgment. Able to evaluate based on carefully weighing of evidence and evaluation.

Wrongly Judging:

What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 NIV

We judge those we shouldn’t and not those we should

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

It’s not about condemnation—it’s about transformation

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

God is inviting you to step into a space with him where he desires you to think deeper on the message. Take time to sit with him by finding a quiet place, free of distractions. When your thoughts and feelings have quieted, begin your time by asking God to help you be honest with yourself and him. Ask yourself, “Is it natural or easy for me to judge others? Do I find myself looking at their faults or ways that they are different from me and getting easily annoyed?” Recall a time when you thought you were judged. How did that make you feel? God makes it clear that it is not our place to judge or condemn others. Ask him, “What do I believe about myself and others that tempt me to condemn those who are different? What is one thing I can do this week to change to become more like you in this area?” Ask God to help you to take this action. Thank him for what he is doing to make you more like him in not judging people.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God, or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read Romans 14:1-3. It seems at times that Christians can find a way to argue about anything. What are some of the silliest or smallest things you have looked down on someone for believing? How did that attitude affect your relationship with that person (or those people)?
  3. Read Romans 14:4-9. In what practical ways does knowing that God is the Judge of others help you release the burden of arguing or condemnation of those around you? How can you connect that knowledge with your actions? 
  4. Read Romans 14:10-12. While you may not be arguing about meat or the day we worship, what are some things you are currently arguing with others about that you need to stop doing? What is your first step in doing so?
  5. Read 1 Corinthians 5:12-13. Do you struggle more with the sin of judging those outside of the church or not holding those inside the church accountable for their sin? Why do you think that is an issue for you?
  6. Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. When we think about holding others accountable, we want to think less about their condemnation and more about helping in their transformation. What are some of your best practices when it comes to keeping love as your motivation and not letting judgment creep in when encouraging another to grow?