Introduction
One of the clear teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ is the call to live without hypocrisy, especially in matters of judgment. Judgment is not forbidden in the sense of discernment, but hypocritical judgment is condemned in Scripture. Many times, we are quick to see the faults of others while overlooking our own weaknesses. The Word of God warns us that such behavior is dangerous and displeasing to Him.
1. Jesus’ Teaching on Judgment
Our Lord spoke directly about this in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1–3, NIV).
Here, Jesus does not forbid all judgment. Rather, He warns against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. When we condemn others for small faults while excusing our greater sins, we stand guilty before God. The Lord calls us to humility and self-examination before speaking about the faults of another.
2. Understanding Hypocritical Judgment
Hypocrisy is pretending to be righteous outwardly while hiding sin inwardly. A hypocritical judge is one who:
- Magnifies the sins of others while minimizing his own.
- Condemns publicly but secretly practices worse.
- Seeks to appear holy before men but ignores God’s standard of truth.
The Pharisees were known for this. Jesus rebuked them strongly:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:25).
This shows us that hypocritical judgment flows from a heart that is not right before God.
3. The Call to Examine Ourselves First
Before pointing out the fault in others, the Word of God commands us to look inward:
“First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5).
Believers are not forbidden to help each other overcome sin. In fact, we are called to restore one another in love (Galatians 6:1). But before we correct someone else, we must humble ourselves, repent of our own sins, and ensure that our motives are pure. Correction without self-examination leads to destruction, but correction with humility leads to restoration.
4. The Danger of Hypocritical Judgment
Why is hypocritical judgment so dangerous for a believer?
- It brings God’s judgment upon us.
Romans 2:1 says: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” - It blinds us to our own sins.
When we are busy condemning others, we often fail to see the need for repentance in our own lives. This blindness hinders spiritual growth. - It damages fellowship among believers.
Hypocritical judgment creates division, suspicion, and bitterness within the body of Christ. Instead of building each other up, we tear each other down. - It ruins our testimony before the world.
When unbelievers see believers judging one another harshly while living in hidden sin, they mock the name of the Lord.
5. Judging with Righteous Judgment
The Bible does not forbid all forms of judgment. Jesus said:
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24).
There is a difference between hypocritical judgment and righteous judgment. Righteous judgment is rooted in truth, guided by love, and led by the Spirit of God.
- Righteous judgment discerns between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).
- Righteous judgment seeks restoration, not condemnation (Galatians 6:1–2).
- Righteous judgment aligns with God’s Word, not human opinion (2 Timothy 3:16).
When we correct others in humility, love, and truth, we fulfill God’s command to watch over one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
6. The Example of Jesus
Our Lord Jesus showed us the perfect example. He did not overlook sin, but neither did He condemn hypocritically. Consider the woman caught in adultery:
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’” (John 8:7).
Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the accusers while extending mercy to the sinner. He told the woman: “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11).
This shows us the balance between truth and grace. We should never excuse sin, but we must also never condemn others while ignoring our own guilt.
7. Living Without Hypocrisy
As believers, how can we avoid judging hypocritically?
- Practice self-examination.
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5). - Confess and forsake personal sin.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). - Correct with humility and gentleness.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” (Galatians 6:1). - Walk in love.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8). - Seek God’s wisdom before speaking.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” (James 1:5).
8. A Warning Against Pride
At the root of hypocritical judgment is pride. Pride makes us think we are better than others, forgetting that salvation is by grace alone. Paul reminds us:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Every believer stands only by the mercy of God. We have no reason to exalt ourselves or condemn others as if we are superior. Instead, we must walk in humility, knowing that we too are in need of grace daily.
Conclusion
Beloved, hypocritical judgment has no place in the life of a believer. Jesus calls us to humility, love, and truth. We must examine ourselves before pointing out the faults of others. When correction is necessary, it should be done in love, guided by the Spirit, and with the goal of restoration.
Let us remember the words of our Lord:
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2).
May we live without hypocrisy, shining as true lights in this world, and showing mercy as we have received mercy from God.