10 Rules for Judging Others God’s Way

Pastor Jeffrey Johnson explores 2 Corinthians 12:20–13:10 to address a misunderstood and often misused topic: how Christians should judge others. While many quote “do not judge” as a defense against correction, Pastor Johnson explains that Scripture does not forbid judgment—it teaches believers how to judge rightly and humbly. Before addressing the faults of others, Christians must first examine their own hearts and remove the “log” from their own eye.

Using the Apostle Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church, the sermon highlights ten heart attitudes that should guide righteous judgment. Paul demonstrates that correction should come with sadness rather than delight, humility rather than pride, verified truth rather than rumor, patience that allows time for repentance, and courage to lovingly confront sin when necessary. Most importantly, judgment must never be driven by revenge, self-interest, or the desire to prove oneself right.

Ultimately, the goal of biblical correction is restoration, not condemnation. When believers confront sin with gentleness, truth, and gospel-centered love, they become instruments God uses to bring others back to spiritual health. Pastor Johnson challenges listeners to first apply these principles to their own lives, asking God to cultivate humility, compassion, and a genuine desire for the spiritual good of others.