What does God think of our judging others?

1 Corinthians 4:5So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

God wants us to be very slow to judge others because he alone is capable of judging perfectly every time. Changing an opinion about someone can be difficult. If we have incorrectly formed a bad opinion about someone, we may think negatively about that person for years, damaging the possibility of a healthy relationship.

Romans 2:1You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.

When we condemn others for their sin without first carefully considering our own sins, God sees our hypocrisy and condemns it.

1 Samuel 16:7The Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God doesn’t want us to judge people based on their outward appearance.

Leviticus 19:15“Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.”

When we have to make a judgment, we must do so with fairness and integrity.