The most important thing any Christian can do before discussing any scripture,is to make sure that They stay in the context of the story.Quoting scriptures for the sake of sounding biblical,and not knowing the context is very dangerous. Some Christians say it isn’t our job to judge others,and use Matthew 7:1 to instruct those that would judge.In one sense that is correct,but in another sense that would be incorrect.Judging the un-saved is not the job of Christians,but judging a brother that is openly sinning is our responsibility.We should never just look for Christians to judge,just for the sake of judging.yet We need to correct one that is living a sinful lifestyle.
In the same chapter of Matthew 7,where Jesus is saying judge not lest ye be judged,He also says in verses 15 through 20 these words.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Now seeing the context,We understand that there is righteous judgment.
Would We not warn someone who was in a burning building,and try to rescue them ?
We also see in Corinthians:
“But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he is judged of no man.” (1 Cor 2:15)
“Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (1 Cor 6:2) So clearly judging is required by the Saints,(saved) to judge even in small matters.
Galatians 6:1,
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault(sin), ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.We must show our brothers and sisters in the lord that they are doing wrong.Righteous judgment must be adhered to.Make sure before confronting any erring christian,You have no fault Yourself.
Judging should be done in a loving way,not ever should We condemn anyone,because condemning is Gods job.
Neither should We as Christians ever judge the un-saved,for they are already judged.An unsaved person isn’t obliged to live by Christian values,and We should never judge them,because they are not our brother or sister in Christ.
Righteous judgment has its place,and should be used to bring the brother back to fellowship with the Church.
One thing for sure,if We judge by the New Testament teachings,We will open the eyes of the true believer who has strayed.