Most of the time, people who are not Christians tell believers: “Do not judge,” quoting the bible. (Luke 6:37) Perhaps this is one of the misinterpreted concepts. There are selfish and proud servants of God, quote this verse to stop those who criticize them. In fact, they arrogate themselves to curse those who question them.
Judge correctly: However, Lord also encourages his hearers to judge correctly. (John 7:24) Not judgment based on external appearances but having insights into the complete situation. This is possible only by spiritual people. So, Paul writes that spiritual people judge all things. (I Corinthians 2:15) When Paul writes to Corinthians identifying and calling out sin. He also urges the congregation to take disciplinary action. Believers will judge the angels, hence competent to judge worldly matters. (I Corinthians 6:2-3)
Biblical standards: Christians must judge what the Bible calls sin. There should not be any compromise in this regard.
Precautions: Lord expects serious self-examination, you will be judged by the same standards. Self-examination precedes judgment. Lord expects those who evaluate others should first remove if there were any logs in their eyes, before looking for specks in others. (Luke 6:41-42)
Motivation standards: Believers are not to evaluate or discern with haughtiness, and superiority complex, but with love, mercy, and humility. (Ephesians 4:15)
Condemnation: Believers could condemn the behavior of a person, and not the person as God is the ultimate judge. People who judge others would inevitably self-condemn themselves if they commit the same sin. (Romans 2:1)
Hypocritical judgment: Lord condemned the hypocrites, warned against hypocrisy, and instructed the disciples not to judge like them. (Matthew 6:2,5,16; 7:1, 3-5)
Discern: The Apostle John exhorts believers to test the spirits. (I John 4:1) There would be people who are inspired or possessed by Satan. They could behave like pigs. Before such people, pearls cannot be placed. (Matthew 7:6)
Evaluate: A disciple is known for his/her fruitful life. (Luke 6:43-45) This evaluation is exhibited in the character and behavior of that person.
Discerning and discovering the truth, and righteousness is an essential trait of a disciple.
Do I discern right?