“Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things, but also approve those who practice them. You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” (Romans 1:32-2:1)
Not long ago I passed judgment on someone who said that those who don’t believe in Jesus are enemies of God. I have difficulty not condemning Christians who say things or give nasty looks that keep the LGBTQ community, unwed couples living together, and/or people of different races from attending church. Yet God wants me to pray for the condemners, even give them food and drink (fulfill their needs). It is difficult not to pass judgment on condemners. The caveat is by not judging them, and instead praying for them and fulfilling their needs, we are heaping burning coals on their heads. (See Matthew 5:44 and Romans 12:20)
People say things to hurt us, but sometimes I wonder if I say things to hurt others without realizing it. I’m sure I do because I don’t know the tragedies that lay on another’s heart. It is possible we make others feel condemned without meaning to. None of us is perfect. This is where Paul admits that when he felt fit to judge Christians, he was being senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless himself, and he deserved death. Paul says he continues to make mistakes as we all do and he approves of his friends who make mistakes. We all make mistakes, so we shouldn’t judge one another.