Romans 2:1 "...for at whatever point you judge another you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things."
Paul is criticizing the sinfulness of the Roman people and no doubt in first century Rome, there was sin everywhere. But he seems to say they should not be judging others because they are all sinning-they are all doing the same things. It's similar to Jesus teachings in Mark 7, that one ought to remove the plank in their own eye before pointing out the speck in their neighbors.
Are we to judge others or not? Christians disagree on this and as a true "Minnesota nice" kinda guy, I always come down on the side of not. However I've heard over the years that we can and should judge each other within the church. As church members and as a community we have a responsibility to hold each other accountable. For those outside of the church/non-Christians, we should pump the brakes a bit and withhold our judgement. I don't know? I think when I am able, I should gently and truthfully try to help people out with their sin or their stupidity! But I must be primarily focused on my own self. When I turn my focus on judging others firstly and lose concern for myself, I am in grave danger.
Lord, help me to see the planks in my own eye. Help me deal with them and remove them before judging anyone else. Amen.
