“Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matt 7:1; NKJV). Jesus cautions us to avoid judging and condemning others for faults we may perceive they have. None of us are perfect and we should consider our own faults before we criticize others (Matt 7:3). We are not to speak evil of anyone (Titus 3:2; James 4:11). God is the ultimate judge not us (2 Cor 5:10).

However, within the church there will be situations where we are to judge and discipline (1 Cor 5:12). Jesus gave us clear direction for dealing with someone who has done us wrong (Matt 18:15-17). Firstly, we go to them ourselves, if we can’t bring resolution, we ask one or two others to help settle things. As a last resort the church leadership should be involved to judge in the matter, discover the truth and decide on corrective discipline if justified. In all judgement the primary goals have to be forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration (Gal 6:1; James 5:19-20). If we don’t forgive, God cannot forgive us (Mark 11:26). Restoration needs to be approached in a “spirit of gentleness” or meekness (Gal 6:1; NKJV). Meekness is power under perfect control. The Scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus (John 8:3-11). She could have been stoned for her sin but Jesus responded by saying, let him that has no sin throw the first rock. None did and Jesus didn’t condemn her but simply told her to sin no more. No judgementalism, just compassion, forgiveness, integrity, discipline and restoration.