Stop Judging, Start Building

One of the greatest enemies to the Body of Christ today is not always outside persecution, it’s inside judgment. Judging one another is like sawing off the very branch we’re sitting on. Instead of lifting up, it tears down. Instead of pushing ministries further, it holds them back.

What Judging Really Is

Judgment in this sense isn’t discernment or holding to truth, it’s looking down on people. It’s whispering about their mistakes, mocking their struggles, or assuming their story without knowing their journey. But Scripture makes it clear: God is the only Judge.

Jesus warned against this when He said:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged…” (Matthew 7:1–2, NIV).

Every time we place ourselves higher than someone else, we’ve forgotten that grace is what brought us here, not our perfection. Only God, who sees the heart, has the right to judge.

What We Could Be

Imagine if the energy spent on judging went into praying, mentoring, or serving. How much further could our ministries be? How many souls could be reached if we replaced gossip with compassion, or criticism with encouragement?

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV).

Encouragement builds bridges. Judgment builds walls. And the truth is, God is the only Judge, not us.

Compassion Over Comparison

Compassion says, “I see your struggle, and I’m here to walk with you.”

Judgment says, “I see your struggle, and I’m glad I’m not you.”

One draws people closer to Christ. The other drives them further away. And let’s be honest, none of us are qualified to sit in God’s judgment seat. God is the only Judge who can weigh both our failures and our faith.

Moving Forward Together

The Body of Christ is meant to move in unity. When one part suffers, we all suffer. When one rejoices, we all rejoice (1 Corinthians 12:26). Our strength is not in perfection, but in compassion.

So the next time the temptation comes to judge, stop and ask: How can I build instead of break? How can I love instead of label? How can I lift instead of look down?

Because where judgment divides, love multiplies. And when love multiplies, ministries flourish. Always remember: God is the only Judge, our calling is to love.