Being critical of other Christians and clergy is easy—a trap from which many never escape. A 2025 Gallup study reported a twenty-six-point drop in the perceived honesty and ethics of clergy since the early 2000s. The percentage rating the clergy’s ethics as high or very high fell from an average of 56% in 2000-2009 to 30% in 2025. (Saad 2025)
This decline in public opinion is not unfounded. Oh yes, there have been scandals; the mighty have fallen. Indeed, there are leaders who have mishandled authority, and the media (and sometimes the Church) make sure to publicize it. Still, despite these failures, it is important to consider our own responses. That doesn’t mean other believers should sit in the judgment seat against them or prophesy their continued demise.
When Jesus said “Judge not” in Matthew 7:1, he was speaking of making a decision about someone before the appropriate time. That word judge is the Greek word krino, which means: to distinguish, i.e., decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish mentally or judicially. It means to conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, call in question, sentence to, or think. (Blue Letter Bible, G2919) So much of our judging takes place in our minds before it manifests in actions. We sentence people before Jesus, the Judge of all Earth, does.
Sisters and brothers, I think we need to change our minds. Reflect and consider whether the Church is best at killing its wounded instead of facilitating healing for their wounds. Just as quickly as we hail leaders with likes, follows, and stars when they are thriving, we drop them like hotcakes when they miss the mark. This pattern reveals a deeper issue in our culture.
Ironically, that is just as much an indictment against the judgmental as the one who sins. Paul puts it this way: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5for each one should carry their own load” (Galatians 6:1-5 NIV). The truly spiritual person will not judge but will operate in gentleness and meekness, watching themselves.
Paul addresses this subject again in Romans, perhaps because he had been the subject of much judgment himself. He says, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 10You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister [another believer]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister” (Romans 14:4, 10, 13 NIV, brackets added).
Paul offers us an alternative mindset. Instead of judging other believers, leave the judging to their master, who helps them stand and overcome what concerns you. Don’t treat them with contempt, because you could be next. We will all stand before the Bema, the judgment seat of Christ. Therefore, stop passing judgment; choose readiness for Christ’s return. As the Day of the Lord approaches, actively encourage one another, and diligently prepare for Christ’s judgment seat—make this your focus.
So let’s remember Christ’s words: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “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? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-5 NIV).
Other Scriptures Concerning Judging Others for Meditation
- Luke 6:37 NIV: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 NIV: Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
- James 4:11-12 NIV: Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister [another believer] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 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? (brackets added)
References
Blue Letter Bible, “Strong’s G2919 – krinō,” in Lexicon, Blueletterbible.org, accessed April 10, 2026, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2919/kjv/tr/0-1/.
Lydia Saad, “Americans’ Ratings of U.S. Professions Stay Historically Low”, Gallup, January 13, 2025, accessed April 10, 2026, https://news.gallup.com/poll/655106/americans-ratings-professions-stay-historically-low.aspx.
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Dr. Lenita is the senior pastor of Action Chapel Baltimore and Action Chapel North Carolina, founder of the APT Apostolic and Prophetic Network, and PurposeHouse Publishing. As a podcaster, published author of ten books and fourteen devotional journals, and international speaker, she empowers people to fulfill their purpose. She also leads Purpose/full Institute and PrayerWatch with Pastor Lenita, helping individuals hone their divine calling. With prior roles as an Accenture consultant, college instructor, and professional instructional designer, Lenita is a trained counselor, RAINN speaker, and authorized prophetic instructor. She has delivered keynotes worldwide, including in the US, UK, and Africa. Lenita holds degrees in Industrial Engineering, Dance Education, an MBA, and a doctorate in Christian Counseling.