“Stop judging.”
I’m sure many of us have heard this thousands of times. It often comes up when we (Christians) assert that something is wrong or a sin. I almost get tired of hearing this because when people say it, almost 100% of the time, they quote Jesus’ words out of context and interpret it in their own way.
For example, in today’s culture, we see it with the whole movement toward same-sex marriage or abortion or contraception…those touchy issues that people prefer to steer clear of. First, sometimes one may use this “stop judging” as a psychological defense mechanism because when confronted with truth, if they are living a lifestyle opposite of it, they don’t want to hear it. So rather than confront the truth in humility, or give it possible reflection and consideration, they shut it down and avoid it. So as a result, there’s always a quick rebuke of “Don’t judge me,” “Stop judging,” or “Jesus told us not to judge.” Even Christians say this…but without a full understanding of the context of the entire Gospel! Shame on us! We should read and understand the entirety of Scripture before we go around using this as an excuse to not have to warn others of the sin that may be endangering their souls.
And so, as a result, this quick rebuke against us to “not judge” has frightened many Christians from asserting and labeling an action as something that is morally wrong/sinful. Yet this is our Christian duty.
#1. First of all, everyone judges; everyone makes judgements. Everyone has to – there’s no way around it. You have to judge if an object is a table or a chair. You have to judge if you should fill up your car with gas now or later. Now, these are non-moral examples. In the moral realm, you have to judge if child abuse is right or wrong. You have to judge if homosexual actions (not inclinations or orientations) are right or wrong. I could use plenty of other examples… Funny thing is, while we get slapped the label of “judging” others by calling out actions as wrong, those who do believe in same-sex marriages, in abortion, etc… have judged that it is ok! They make a judgement! Yet we, as Christians, are told to “stop judging” because we have asserted that it is sinful and wrong. This is a double standard and a contradiction to assert this argument of telling us to “not judge.” We all make judgements, whether it’s affirming an action as right or affirming an action as wrong.
#2. People often quote Jesus’ words, “Stop judging, that you may not be judged” in the Gospel of Matthew (7:1-5). …but then they leave out the rest of the sermon our Lord gives. The entire context of the passage tells us that it is hypocritical of us to judge and criticize other people when we neglect to accuse ourselves of our own sins and examine our own consciences. Look, Jesus goes on to say that first and foremost, we must be concerned about whether we ourselves are living an upright life before God. We must examine our consciences. We must first beg for the Holy Spirit to shed light on our sins, on our weaknesses, those things that perhaps we are not even aware of! As Catholics, we must seek out confession regularly! (The Church’s precept is to go at least once a year, but for a steady growth in holiness, try to go once a month!) We must desire to know what our sins are and then make resolve, through God’s grace, to conquer them.
Ok, then Jesus tells us that once we are in the habit of doing this and have developed this attitude of humility, THEN we will see more clearly to see and fraternally correct the sins of others (Matthew 7:5-6). The whole context of the passage is that Jesus doesn’t want us to judge the sins of others in an arrogant spirit and attitude, as though we are better than others.
Look at St. John the Baptist in Scripture. He rebuked and admonished King Herod – a king! – for an unlawful marriage. He stood by the Lord’s law and saw sin. He admonished King Herod for the sin he was committing because he knew it would cost Herod his soul. The price he paid for this fraternal correction was death. Could you charitably admonish a head of State? A President? A corporate CEO? Your boss? What a challenge the Gospel is! May we be the given the grace when we are prompted by the Holy Spirit to correct one another.
Here is something Blessed John Henry Newman wrote on talking about admonishing and judging sins. I came across this in today’s Magnificat reflection:
“Saint John the Baptist had a most difficult office to fulfill; that of rebuking a king...It is difficult to rebuke well, that is, at the right time, in a right spirit, and a right manner. The holy Baptist rebuked Herod without making him angry; therefore he must have rebuked him with gravity, temper, sincerity, and an evident good-will towards him. On the other hand, he spoke so firmly, sharply, and faithfully, that his rebuke cost him his life.
We who now live have not that extreme duty put upon us with which Saint John was laden (namely, rebuking a king); yet every one of us has a share in his office (of admonishing), inasmuch as we are all bound “to rebuke vice boldly,” when we have fit opportunities for so doing…
Aim at viewing all things in a plain and candid light, and at calling them by their right names. Be frank, do not keep your notions of right and wrong to yourselves, nor, conceit that the world is too bad to be taught the Truth, suffer it to sin in word or deed without rebuke. Do not allow friend or stranger in the familiar intercourse of society to advance false opinions, nor shrink from stating your own, and do this in singleness of mind and love…
…The single-hearted Christian will find fault, not austerely or gloomily, but in love; not stiffly, but naturally, gently, and as a matter of course, just as he would tell his friend of some obstacle in his path which was likely to throw him down, but without any feeling of superiority over him…”
Great reflection – reread it a couple more times! It gives great advice on how we as Christians are obligated to charitably and meekly correct the sins of others, and he also advises us on the way to go about it. Always ask for the help of the Holy Spirit when you feel called to speak up, so that in careful prudence, you may discern what is the best manner to go about it.
Unfortunately, as a result of Christians always be accused of “judging,” it has silenced us on warning our friends, family, co-workers, you name it, about the sin which may be endangering their souls. Remember, we are obliged to do this. But a true Christian will not correct out of a feeling of superiority, but rather out of concern and love for them.
Christians, do not be afraid to judge for we have a duty to discern and call out actions that are right and pleasing to God, or sinful and displeasing. We may be hated for this, we may be mocked or alienated for this…but then again, so was our Lord. It is a blessing to be mocked for Christ.
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.” – John 15:18-19
May our Lady help us grow in humility so that we may see ourselves fully as we are and not be afraid to confront our own sinfulness. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
God bless!