Definition and Context:
Passing judgment refers to the act of forming an opinion or conclusion about someone or something, often in a critical or evaluative manner. In the biblical context, it involves assessing the actions, behaviors, or character of others, and it is a topic addressed with caution and guidance throughout Scripture.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 7:1-2 :
"Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
This passage from the Sermon on the Mount warns against hypocritical judgment. Jesus emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in judgment, urging believers to be mindful of their own faults before criticizing others.

2. Romans 2:1 :
"You therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."
The Apostle Paul addresses the hypocrisy of judging others while committing similar sins. This verse highlights the importance of self-reflection and humility.

3. James 4:11-12 :
"Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
James cautions against speaking ill of others and assuming the role of judge, reminding believers that God alone is the ultimate Judge.

4. John 7:24 :
"Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly."
Jesus instructs His followers to look beyond superficial appearances and to judge with righteous discernment, emphasizing fairness and truth.

Theological Insights:

· God as the Ultimate Judge:
Scripture consistently affirms that God is the ultimate Judge of all humanity. His judgments are perfect, righteous, and just. Believers are reminded of their limited understanding and the need to trust in God's sovereign judgment.

· The Role of Believers:
While believers are called to discern right from wrong, they are cautioned against assuming a judgmental attitude. The focus should be on self-examination, repentance, and extending grace to others.

· Judgment and Accountability:
The Bible teaches that all individuals will be held accountable for their actions before God. This accountability underscores the importance of living a life that reflects God's standards and values.

· Mercy and Forgiveness:
The call to avoid passing judgment is closely linked to the themes of mercy and forgiveness. Believers are encouraged to forgive others as they have been forgiven by God, fostering a spirit of compassion and understanding.

Practical Application:

· Self-Examination:
Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives and motives before passing judgment on others. This practice fosters humility and personal growth.

· Encouragement and Correction:
While judgment is cautioned against, believers are called to encourage and, when necessary, gently correct one another in love, always seeking restoration and reconciliation.

· Community and Accountability:
Within the Christian community, mutual accountability is important. Believers are to support one another in their spiritual journeys, offering guidance and correction in a spirit of love and humility.

In summary, the biblical perspective on passing judgment emphasizes humility, self-reflection, and reliance on God's perfect judgment. Believers are called to exercise discernment with love and grace, always mindful of their own need for mercy and forgiveness.Matthew 7:1
Judge not, that you be not judged.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 2:1-3
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are that judge: for wherein you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you that judge do the same things.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 6:37
Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven:
Topicalbible.org

First Tractate.
... apart from body, while all that has no need of body for its manifestation belongs
peculiarly to Soul: and the Understanding, as passing judgement upon Sense ...
//christianbookshelf.org/plotinus/the six enneads/first tractate.htm

Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
... to see plainly in the coming of this blessed man, and his passing, a truly ... righteous,
which spoke wisdom, and his tongue which, talking of judgement,[1030] yea ...
/.../sermons of st bernard on.htm

A Discourse On
... shadow, and as a message that runneth by; as a ship passing through the ... on righteousness
as a breastplate, and shall array himself with judgement unfeigned as ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii a discourse on.htm

Public Use of the Version.
... We see then plainly, if we are to be guided by the judgement of the ... majority of our
churches"though in many cases there may have been passing desires to read ...
/.../addresses on the revised version of holy scripture/address v public use of.htm

The Great Assize
... is the day of the sons of men; the time that is now passing over us is ... fathers drew
that inference, that, what is commonly called the day of judgement would be ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 15 the great assize.htm

The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah.
... rich fields that surrounded the ancient House of Bread,' and, passing through the ...
hills eastward the heavy molten surface of the Sea of Judgement would appear ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the nativity of.htm

Nature of the Renderings
... In passing from the Preface to the great work which it introduces, I feel the ... parallel
columns, and form a sober opinion on the comparison"his judgement I am ...
/.../addresses on the revised version of holy scripture/address iv nature of the.htm

The King's Pardon.
... retired, it did not take them many minutes to decide on a verdict "Guilty;" and
when the judge was passing the sentence ... [Illustration: The Judgement of Solomon ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/the kings pardon.htm

Sixth Tractate. The Impassivity of the Unembodied.
... independently " and it is a question to be examined whether the judgement leading
to ... with which it masks itself is no Existence, but a passing trick making ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/sixth tractate the impassivity of.htm

Wisdom and the Strange Woman
... Passing through the street near her corner, And he went the way to her house; In ...
in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of judgement: That I ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii wisdom and the strange.htm

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