The Difference Between Discernment and a Judgmental Spirit

Learning to Judge Righteously Without a Critical Spirit

📅 Contending for the Word – August 4, 2025
✍️ Written by Dave Jenkins

In our cultural moment, few accusations are more common—or more misunderstood—than the charge of being “judgmental.” Increasingly, moral evaluation, theological clarity, and biblical correction are seen not as virtues, but as vices. Even within the Church, sincere attempts to speak truth are often met with resistance: “Didn’t Jesus say not to judge?”

But what does Scripture really teach about judgment and discernment? Is all judgment wrong? And how can Christians faithfully walk in truth without falling into pride?

The Bible makes it clear that while we are not to pass hypocritical or self-righteous judgment, we are called to exercise discernment. In fact, the distinction between godly discernment and a judgmental spirit is essential for every believer to grasp.

Judging with Hypocrisy vs. Judging with Humility

In Matthew 7:1, Jesus famously says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” This verse is often used to shut down moral or theological correction altogether. But a closer reading reveals that Christ is not condemning all judgment—He is condemning hypocritical judgment.

Just a few verses later, He instructs, “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (v. 5). In other words, self-examination must precede correction of others. The goal is not silence—it’s clarity, humility, and restoration.

Biblical judgment is not about condemnation—it’s about accountability and loving concern. Jesus warns against prideful, self-exalting judgment that ignores one’s own sin, but He affirms the need for clear-eyed, gospel-driven correction.

Discernment Is Essential for Christian Maturity

Throughout the New Testament, believers are called to grow in discernment. Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

Discernment is not optional—it is a mark of spiritual maturity. The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to “test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21–22). Far from avoiding judgment, the mature Christian learns to examine all things through the lens of God’s Word.

In a world filled with false teachings, emotional appeals, and cultural compromise, discernment is a safeguard for the soul and a means of protecting others. To discern rightly is to love the truth and walk in it.

A Judgmental Spirit vs. a Discerning Heart

The problem, then, is not discernment itself—it’s the spirit in which it is exercised.

A discerning Christian is marked by humility and a love for God’s truth. A judgmental person, by contrast, is marked by pride and self-righteousness. One corrects to restore; the other criticizes to elevate self.

• Discernment corrects in love; judgmentalism shames in pride.
• Discernment flows from Scripture; judgmentalism flows from ego.
• Discernment builds up; judgmentalism tears down.

James 4:11 warns against slander and evil speech among believers, reminding us that speaking against others in self-righteousness is itself a form of lawbreaking. Discernment must always be accompanied by grace.

Truth Is Loving—Even When It Hurts

One of the most loving things a Christian can do is speak truth when it’s unpopular. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” True love does not flatter or overlook sin—it tells the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

This is especially important in an age where tolerance is prized above truth. Yet Scripture calls us to contend for the faith (Jude 3), expose error (Eph. 5:11), and correct those who oppose sound doctrine (Titus 1:9). Shepherds protect the flock by identifying wolves. Believers guard one another by calling out sin and pointing to Christ.

Truth-telling is not cruelty. It is care—rooted in a desire to see people walk in the light.

Discernment with Humility for the Glory of Christ

The Christian life is not a balancing act between truth and love—it is a life shaped by both. Discernment is not the opposite of compassion, and compassion is not the absence of clarity.

Jesus Himself judged righteously (John 7:24), corrected false teaching, and called sinners to repentance. As His followers, we are called to do the same—with hearts marked by humility, patience, and love.

We must not let the fear of being labeled “judgmental” silence faithful witness. Nor must we fall into the trap of harsh, graceless criticism. The Church needs bold truth-tellers—but not proud ones.

Let us speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), judge with righteous judgment, and walk humbly before our God.