The thing is, some people like judging others. It makes them feel righteous. They seem to delight in choosing to be upset, offended, insulted, or annoyed. It all gives them a reason to criticise someone and make themselves look superior. This stops them from having to look at their own faults.

As Christians, we are a people of grace. God gives us His grace every day. He does not punish us for every little thing we do wrong, neither should we punish others in that way. When people do wrong, they generally know it. What they respond to is forgiveness, not punishment. Punishment just raises the stakes, and they feel they have to reciprocate. Forgiveness breaks the cycle.

If a person is in a pit, you give them a ladder, not a spade. If a person has sinned, or otherwise acted unwisely, we should show them a way out of the situation back into right standing with God and their brethren. We should not pile guilt and blame on their shoulders. That is the devil’s job.

Very often, the sin we see in others, is the very sin we are afraid to deal with in ourselves. This brings to mind what Jesus taught about planks and specks. We are just as capable of failure as any of our brethren. We should always remember that and deal with them in humility and gentleness. That is the best way to lead them to repentance.

We cannot condemn anyone. We can assess, evaluate, and determine (all meanings of judge), but not condemn. Not the world, not one another, not even ourselves. When we do judge, it is usually based on our opinions and assumptions rather than real knowledge. I learned my lesson the hard way. I used to imagine I had an accurate knowledge of what people were up to, even without a shred of evidence or knowledge of the facts. Time after time I was made to feel stupid because of something I did not know. Then I had a choice, stick to my guns, or admit my mistake. I have learned to listen to others before forming any kind of opinion, and not to assume current behavior from past behavior.

God sees each one of us as fully Christ-like, clothed as we are in His righteousness. This is despite the faults and imperfections we are so aware of in ourselves. Ought we not to see one another as God sees them? Or do we assess God’s view as wrong?

Jesus stands before God day and night pleading our case before Him. Should we not have the same attitude for one another?