The Lord Jesus teaches us not only to see others’ faults but first to see our own. God desires us to be perfect. That means we must be critical in judging ourselves, not others. Many people scrutinize others closely while being lax about themselves. It is easier to see another’s weaknesses or mistakes and respond, comment, even judge and condemn, than to examine one’s own condition.
Actually, when we dislike someone, we are judging them. We may know they are wrong, yet still accept them as our brother or sister. But we must not be hypocritical. We accept them as they are; even if they have wronged us, we have no right to punish them. Sometimes someone does not hurt us directly but harms our friend or partner. In such cases, we still must wait for God’s command. Thus, when God forbids us to judge others, it does not mean we should be silent if someone sins. Some faults must be corrected through action. For example, between a company leader and a subordinate, discipline must be enforced, so we need to rebuke and correct the subordinate.
If we know someone has fallen into sin and we do not admonish them, we share responsibility for their sin. If it is our responsibility, we must rebuke them. But if it is not our part, we should remain silent. Often, without realizing it, we are judging others. We think we are discussing someone’s problem objectively, but our so-called objectivity may be false. We may appear to search for a solution while actually being driven by anger, annoyance, or an urge to talk. In truth, we look down on others and feel entitled to judge them.
Such an attitude makes a person feel superior to others, producing pride—even spiritual pride. When we speak of others’ faults—even if the person is indeed guilty—if God does not want us to speak of it, it remains dangerous. Remember, this is not to compromise with wrongdoing. Romans 14:10 says, “Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
We may know many secrets, and sometimes those secrets leak to our closest people, like a spouse. Even if those secrets are safe with them, we do not have the right to discuss another’s faults. If we do, we become less noble. In the church, there are often people with an inferiority complex—feeling low, insecure, or lacking confidence. Sometimes they become very critical because they want recognition. They show what they consider valuable to elevate themselves, one way being to speak of others’ faults.
They even feel prouder when the person criticized is someone of higher standing in their community—like a leader, pastor, or dignitary. By speaking of that person’s faults, they seem to raise their own status. There are always people like this who enjoy talking about others’ weaknesses. Remember, do not become close friends with such people. You can be “seasoned” by their habit of talking about others; once seasoned, you may do the same without realizing it.