"Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you, for God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and he will apply to you the same rules you apply to others.” (Matt 7:1-2, TEV)
Jesus continues his ‘Sermon on the Mount’ teaching by condemning harsh judgments. His expressions seem intended as a reproof to the scribes and Pharisees who were very rigid and severe. In the process our Savior instructs us how to conduct ourselves in reference to the faults of others.
The context of his teaching makes it clear that the thing condemned is our nature to look unfavorably on the character and actions of others, which leads to the pronouncing of rash, unjust and unloving judgments upon them.
Making such judgments is a violation of the law of love. Our Lord aims at the spirit out of which they spring.
Jesus plainly forbids censuring others hastily and uncharitably. “Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye? How dare you say to your brother, 'Please, let me take that speck out of your eye,' when you have a log in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” (Matt 7:3-5)
There is a difference in imputing harsh judgment and forming an opinion. Our Lord is not telling us we sin when we form an opinion. He is saying we must not impute wrong motives or put the worst construction on the words and actions of others. Why?
Brethren who always find fault soon run to unreasonable and harsh extremes. A severe judgment on our part only invites severe judgment of others toward us. “He who digs a pit [for others] will fall into it...” (Eccl 10:8, AMP) Haman was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecia, (Ester 7)
God is the judge. You and I are not to filter God’s grace through our own opinions. We are not to dilute God’s mercy with our prejudice. We are not to be the prodigal son’s elder brother. We do not know enough to make a righteous judgment.
We shouldn’t call Noah a fool. Who knows, we may need a ride on his boat.