What Does It Mean to Judge Righteously?

A Biblical Perspective on Discernment and Justice

Judging righteously, as described in John 7:24, is a profound concept. It is spiritually grounded. It calls for fairness, truth, and alignment with God’s principles. Jesus instructs, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” This statement highlights the importance of evaluating situations and people. It transcends superficial biases. It seeks the heart of God’s truth. In this context, righteous judgment is not merely about assessing actions or choices. It is deeply rooted in love, mercy, and a desire for restoration.

Key Aspects of Judging Righteously

Fairness and Truth

Righteous judgment begins with impartiality. It demands that we assess not by what is instantly visible. We should not judge based on preconceived notions. Instead, our judgment should be according to facts, truth, and divine principles. Proverbs 31:9 reinforces this call by urging us to “judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” Fairness requires setting aside personal biases, avoiding favoritism, and focusing on what aligns with God’s justice.

Seeking God’s Perspective

Judging righteously necessitates a spiritual alignment with God’s will. It requires prayerful discernment to understand His perspective on situations and people. Isaiah 11:3-4 describes a model of righteous judgment. Decisions are not made by sight or hearsay. They are made by righteousness and equity. Scripture guides us in evaluating the world around us. Prayer helps us understand how to respond according to God’s will. “His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

“He shall not judge by what his eyes see
    or decide by what his ears hear,
 but with righteousness he shall judge for the poor
    and decide with equity for the oppressed of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked” (Isa. 11:3-4).

Discernment

At the heart of righteous judgment is discernment – the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil. Philippians 1:9-10 speaks to this, encouraging believers to abound in knowledge and discernment. This spiritual wisdom allows us to see beyond outward appearances, recognizing the deeper truths hidden beneath. It is not a judgment rooted in instinct or impulse but in thoughtful and prayerful consideration.

Not Condemning, but Discouraging Sin

Righteous judgment avoids condemnation while discouraging sin. In the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Jesus does not condemn her. Instead, he lovingly points out her sin. He urges her to leave it behind. This example teaches us that righteous judgment involves identifying wrongdoing. The intention is helping others grow spiritually and reconnect with God. It is a judgment motivated by love, not vengeance or superiority.

Love and Mercy

True righteous judgment can’t be separated from love and mercy. It is not an act of criticism but an act of compassion aimed at fostering growth and reconciliation with God. Galatians 6:1 advises, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him. Do this in a spirit of gentleness.” This underscores the necessity of approaching judgment with humility. Be kind and seek the best for the other person. Do not assert dominance or superiority.

Examples of Righteous Judgment

Standing Up for the Wronged

Righteous judgment often means being an advocate for those who are wronged or marginalized. It involves defending the innocent and fighting for justice on behalf of the oppressed. This principle shows God’s heart for justice. It is described in Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice? Love kindness and walk humbly with your God.”

Honoring Deeds Over Status

Another aspect of righteous judgment is evaluating people based on their deeds and character. It is not their social status or outward appearance that matters. Romans 2:11 reminds us that “God does not show favoritism.” We are called to emulate this impartiality in our own judgments.

Correcting Sin

Righteous judgment involves guiding others away from sin with gentleness and a desire to help them improve. Matthew 18:15-17 lays out a process to address sin within the Christian community. The focus is on restoration and reconciliation rather than punishment.

Making Evaluations Based on God’s Word

Expressing opinions on right and wrong through the lens of Scripture is a hallmark of righteous judgment. Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily to determine whether teachings aligned with God’s truth.

Forgiveness

Righteous judgment also entails forgiveness. It recognizes that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Therefore, it offers grace to others while being open to receiving grace in return.

Distinguishing Between Righteous and Unrighteous Judgment

Understanding the difference between righteous and unrighteous judgment is crucial to living according to God’s will.

Righteous Judgment

Righteous judgment is characterized by truth, justice, and the intention to restore. It is impartial, rooted in love and compassion, and seeks to honor God’s principles. This type of judgment aims to correct sin and foster spiritual growth, as seen in Galatians 6:1.

Unrighteous Judgment

Unrighteous judgment, by contrast, is driven by pride, bitterness, or personal biases. It condemns rather than restores and may be fueled by anger or a desire for revenge. James 4:12 warns, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?” This type of judgment oversteps human boundaries and fails to reflect God’s grace.

Conclusion

Judging righteously is an act of spiritual maturity that requires fairness, discernment, and alignment with God’s principles. It is not about asserting superiority or condemning others but about seeking restoration, promoting justice, and demonstrating love and compassion. As believers, we are called to reflect God’s heart in our judgments. We should strive to honor Him in all we say and do. By following the instructions of John 7:24, we can learn to judge. Other Scriptural guidance helps us align our judgment with God’s truth. This brings light and healing into a world that desperately needs both.

May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.

Minister A. Francine Green