It is outright dishonest, misleading, and sinful to deliberately take scripture out of its context, making application in a way that never was intended by the inspired writer. The above title of this article, taken from Matthew 7:1, is quoted often by those who do not want to be condemned for the practice of sin, or for advocating some doctrinal error. How tragic that many have concluded that affirmation of truth and condemnation of error would be condemned by our Lord’s statement in this scripture. If it is true that we cannot expose false teachers, or rebuke those who practice sin, because of the above command, then we must conclude that Jesus broke His own commandment. We know that He condemned sin and error when He exposed the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, condemned adultery, anger, pride, and hate in the heart, and upheld the truth that will make men free.
The Lord’s statement was made in conjunction with judging others when, in actuality, we stand condemned for the practice of sin. The Jews often were guilty of this (Rom. 2:1, 21-24). It refers to rash, censorious, and unjust judgment. Judging from insufficient premises, or from ill-will, is condemned by the statement, but forming an opinion about someone based on his conduct, or doctrinal teaching, is not condemned. In fact, in the same chapter (Matt. 7:15-19) Jesus warned the disciples about “false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.”
Jesus encouraged proper judging when He said, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Therefore, we know that some judging is right and necessary. However, it must be “righteous,” that is, in harmony with the principles of right, and not by “appearance,” or by what seems or appears to be true. As a brotherhood, we must be sure that we stand firmly in the truth, contending for the faith. However, it is tragic that some brethren have been labeled as “false teachers” because of the position they take on some doctrinal point. Or that a college, or a preacher training school, is “liberal” because of one questionable teacher or lecturer. Or that a church is “liberal” because of their preacher’s doctrinal position. Motives often are impugned and circumstances are not considered. It appears evil, so it is evil. Such is what Jesus condemned.
On the other hand, when concerned brethren rise up and speak out against the wisdom of such things, their motives sometimes are misjudged. “He’s a self-appointed brotherhood policeman!” “All he wants to do is destroy the good we’re trying to do.” And here again, indicting the motives and character of brethren is practiced. Let us always be sure that our judgment of others is “righteous judgment.”
-Richard