When Judgment Clouds Our Vision: A Reflection on "Do Not Judge" from the Sermon on the Mount

The Dress That Divided the Internet

Blue & Black or White and Gold? If humans have a hard time discerning what should be plain for eyes to see, how can we approach making judgements around things that are often not so plain? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us some answers! — The Dress That Divided the Internet

In 2015, a viral photograph of a dress sparked a worldwide debate: was it white and gold, or blue and black? Friends argued, families divided, and the internet erupted in chaos. Beneath the surface, the debate revealed a profound truth—what seems clear and obvious to one person may look entirely different to another.

This clash of perspectives extends far beyond viral trends. We see it in politics, family conflicts, and personal relationships. How often do we ask, “How can they not see what I see?” Sadly, this question can lead us down a dangerous path. At best, it fosters skepticism toward anyone who disagrees with us; at worst, it breeds contempt and hatred for those who think and behave differently.

But here’s the haunting reality: if we, as humans, struggle to see things that should be plain for the eyes to see (like the color of a dress), how can we possibly judge something as complex as human behavior & heart—something infinitely less straightforward?

Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, offers a sobering reminder:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1).

Do not Judge | Sermon on the Mount

What's the problem with Our judgement?

Judgment itself is not inherently wrong—its essential for protecting the vulnerable, pursuing justice, and making wise decisions. Using this type of judgement is discernment. However, the problem is that a vast majority of our human judgements are not so noble. Its for this reason that Jesus makes such a sweeping prohibition against it when he says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged”. Jesus calls us to put all our judgments—no matter how righteous they may seem at first—under scrutiny. Human judgment is typically harsh, hypocritical, and uninformed. This form of judgment does not heal; it divides. So if you are going to do any kind of judging, start with this:

Judge your own Judgements.

The Hypocrisy of Our Judgment

At the heart of human judgment lies hypocrisy. We rank sins, believing that our struggles are minor compared to others. But Jesus dismantles this self-righteous thinking. The sin we must address most urgently is our own. He illustrates this with vivid imagery:

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)

We are often blind to our own flaws while zeroing in on the shortcomings of others. We tend to major in the minors of others lives, while we minor in the majors of our own life. Jesus calls us to deal with the “plank” in our own eye first. Only then can we see clearly enough to help someone else. This requires humility and a posture of confession. Instead of pointing outward first, we should pray inward as the psalmist did:

“Search me, God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Transformation begins when we stop excusing our faults and instead ask God to purify us. As one simple hymn beautifully states: “Lord, send a revival, and let it begin with me.”

The Tipped Scale of Our Judgment

One of the most striking and beautiful surprises in God’s story, as revealed in Scripture, is His relentless extension of mercy. Time and time again, God tilts the scales in favor of grace, far beyond what we expect or deserve.

In contrast, our scales often lean disproportionately toward revenge and restitution. We are quick to demand payment & swift to weigh out consequences. The Apostle Paul challenges this imbalance when he writes:

"Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (Romans 2:3-4, NLT).

Here lies a profound truth: God’s kindness is not weakness—it’s His power to lead us toward repentance. And if God uses kindness to transform hearts, shouldn’t we do the same? Harsh judgment rarely tips the scales toward change. Instead, it hardens and alienates.

Mercy, however—expressed through patience, humility, and compassion—draws people in. When we mirror God’s kindness, we create space for transformation. For truly, “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

The Prejudice of Our Judgment

One of the most compelling stories in the Old Testament is that of Job—a righteous man who lost everything: his children, his wealth, his health. His friends insisted he must have sinned to suffer so greatly. Surely, they thought, the poor and sick are receiving what they deserve. But they were wrong. Job had done nothing to warrant his suffering.

Centuries later, in Luke 13:1-5, Jesus addressed a similar assumption when Pilate massacred worshippers and a tower fell, killing eighteen. “Do you think they were worse sinners?” Jesus asked. “Not at all!” He warned that suffering is not a reliable measure of sin, nor prosperity a sign of divine favor.

Jesus’ teachings challenge us: Do not judge. We have no right to declare someone’s suffering as divine punishment while assuming others—ourselves included—are blessed due to their success. To do so is arrogant and dangerous. It has fueled racism, antisemitism, and classism, scapegoating the poor as “lazy” and the marginalized as “undeserving.”

But Jesus flips the script. In Matthew 25:43-45, he says, “I was hungry, and you gave me nothing... I was sick and in prison, and you did not look after me.” Among the destitute and imprisoned, we may find Jesus himself. The implication is uncomfortable: even those we deem guilty—prisoners—may have God's favor.

Yet we often assume the opposite—that wealth signals God’s favor. We judge spiritual leaders and people of influence by their prosperity, forgetting that Jesus taught us to measure by fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control. Survival, success, or riches are not evidence of God’s blessing any more than tragedy is proof of judgment.

Righteous people like Job will suffer. Evil people may prosper. In a broken world, what are we to do with this? A Jewish rabbi and contemporary of Jesus, Hillel, offered this wisdom:

“Do not judge a man until you’ve entered his home.”

In a world where so much hidden, we must resist cynicism. Instead, we must seek to understand—to listen to the stories of those on the margins. Perhaps then, in the stranger we once sought to judge, we will find not a villain, but Jesus himself.

Practical Steps to Overcome Judgment

Breaking free from a judgmental spirit requires intentional effort. Here are three practices to help cultivate humility and mercy:

Practice Confession and Self-Examination: Before judging others, take time to examine your own heart. Pray, “Lord, reveal my blind spots and transform me.” Regular confession reminds us of our need for grace and guards against hypocrisy.
Choose Forgiveness: Bitterness fuels judgment. Make a habit of forgiving others quickly, even in small offenses. Pray for those you struggle to love, asking God to help you see them through His eyes.
Embrace Silence and Solitude: Step away from the noise of social media, news, and constant opinions. In a world that thrives on outrage, silence creates space for grace.