Doesn’t the Bible Say “Judge Not”? Chip & Joanna Think So

Recently, when criticized for highlighting a renovation for a same-sex couple with kids on their popular TV show, Chip and Joanna Gaines said, “Doesn’t the Bible say ‘judge not’? who are you to tell people what they can and cannot do?”

Unfortunately, misrepresentation of this Scripture is common in the media and elsewhere. People often misapply Jesus’s words from Matthew 7:1: “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Ironically, few even reference another scripture that also deals with judging, John 7:24. Here Jesus encourages His followers to “judge with righteous judgment.”

There Is No Contradiction

At first, these two scriptures may seem to contradict each other, but when we look at the context and the true meaning of “judge,” we clearly see that they don’t. This misrepresentation of “judging” is an attempt to conform scripture to support personal opinions, when, in fact, moral values are designed to conform to scriptural truths. Personal opinions vary — truth does not.

We tend to cherrypick certain Scriptures to support our own beliefs, as if they were choices on a menu. But we can’t choose those we like and discard the rest. In my first book, What Works When “Diets” Don’t, I wrote: “Eat whatever foods you choose.” Someone might read that and think it’s permission to eat anything they want, anytime they like. But In its entirety, the passage actually reads: “If you follow these guidelines, stay within these ranges, and avoid these foods, you can eat whatever foods you choose.”

If we apply only what we choose, we can easily miss the truth we need.

We Are Called to Judge and Discern

In the context of Matthew 7:1, judging refers to the type of verdict a judge would render in a court of law. A judge hears the evidence and pronounces a judgment. We are in no position to do this because we don’t have all the facts. God tells us to leave justice to Him because He is the judge.

In John 7:24, however, Christians are told to judge or “call into question” those things that clearly contradict God’s principles. In 1 Corinthians 2:15, the Apostle Paul said that those who are spiritual should judge and discern all things.

The famous reformer, John Calvin, commenting on this topic, said, “These words of Christ do not contain an absolute prohibition from judging, but are intended to cure a disease — criticism.” Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but the conscience of the state.” Serving as the conscience of the people has been one of the church’s primary functions since its conception.

Scripturally, we are commanded to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad, truth and error, light and darkness. Believers — especially pastors — are to judge according to the truth.

Regarding moral issues that destroy lives and dishonor God, we are to judge (“call into question”) behaviors, choices, and lifestyles that lead people in a dangerous direction, especially if these issues are to become legally sanctioned public policy.

We Need More Prophets and Fewer Puppets

Those who have been called to preach, much like the prophets of old, will confront compromise, condemn social digression, and powerfully denounce sin in the hope of reconciling man to God — they are to speak the truth in love. However, a spirit of compassion and understanding should move us, not judgmentalism. It’s often not what we say but how we say it that tilts the scale in one direction or the other.

Admittedly, I’ve failed in this area because I did not exercise grace at opportune times. We should not excuse sin in exchange for tolerance — extending grace does not mean approving of sinful behavior, but it does mean extending compassion.

Yes, we can definitely judge as long as our heart is right.

Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com.