Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
This passage of scripture teaches us that we should refrain from the practice of judging others, for we ourselves, being sinners, are in need of God's mercy and grace everyday, just like any one else. However, the issue of judging has now been grossly misinterpreted in our day, for whenever the Bible calls out sin, there is a general tendency to view that as being judgmental, and so many theologians and clergy have now jumped on the band-wagon, that calling sin by its right name can provoke a firestorm of vitriol and condemnation, to the point where faithful voices from the pulpit are now becoming almost extinct, or they are otherwise considered an endangered species. Let's read:
Isaiah 59:12 For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; 14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. 15 Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.
However, it's important for us to understand, that many of the same individuals who accuse others of being judgmental, are themselves found to be judging others, for there is what is known as positive and negative judging. For instance, if the pope declares mother Theresa to be a saint, then that is a form of judging, for he would have taken it upon himself to declare her righteous, something which only God can do. And then, in the same breath, if he declares one who refuses the sacrament, or who like Luther was considered a heretic, to be destined for hell then that's also a form of judging, for in both cases the position and authority of God will have been usurped. Let's read:
Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Thus, the only safe course for us to pursue is to leave the determination of a person's eternal destiny with God who created us all, and although as faithful stewards of the gospel, we must still call sin by its right name, yet we are to leave the conclusions about a person's intentions and choices with God, with us ever looking on the brighter side of their experience, and hoping and praying for the very best outcome. As we interact with our fellowmen, it's important that as Christians, we see in every member of the human family, the full potential to become a candidate for heaven, for with this general outlook, God will be able to use us in saving to the uttermost, those who shall be heirs of salvation.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms to us the whole purpose of the investigative judgment as is currently being carried on in the courts above, and it is the will of God that we be content to let Him do what only He can do, for man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!