As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in truth, but also in love. The question of how we relate to other religions is complex, but the Bible offers clear guidance on judging others, including those of different faiths. Rather than promoting harsh condemnation, Scripture encourages discernment, humility, and the pursuit of peace. Below are key themes supported by Bible verses to help guide us in understanding how we should approach the topic of judging other religions with grace and truth.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Other Religions
Discernment, Not Condemnation
Discernment is essential in the Christian life, especially when encountering teachings and beliefs that differ from the truth of the Gospel. However, the Bible makes a distinction between discerning truth and condemning others. Jesus calls us to evaluate teachings but not to judge hearts. Understanding this balance is crucial when engaging with people from other religions.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”
John 7:24
“Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”
Romans 14:10
“So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
James 4:11-12
“Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.”
1 Corinthians 4:5
“So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”
Christ’s Example of Mercy and Truth
Jesus consistently demonstrated both mercy and unwavering commitment to the truth. He confronted falsehood and sin but did so with love and compassion. When interacting with those outside the faith, Jesus modeled humility and grace rather than contempt. His example provides a powerful blueprint for how we are to engage with those from other religious backgrounds.
John 8:11
“And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more.'”
Matthew 9:36
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
John 3:17
“God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”
Matthew 12:20
“He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.”
God Alone Is the Judge
The Bible repeatedly reminds us that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. While we are called to share truth, we must recognize that it is not our role to pronounce eternal judgment on others. Only God knows the heart and intentions of each person, and He alone will judge righteously in the end.
Romans 2:1
“You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.”
Romans 14:4
“Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.”
James 5:9
“Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!”
Ecclesiastes 12:14
“God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”
Hebrews 10:30
“For we know the one who said, ‘I will take revenge. I will pay them back.’ He also said, ‘The Lord will judge his own people.'”
Sharing the Gospel with Gentleness
Sharing the Good News of Christ is central to our faith, but it must be done with love, respect, and humility. We are not called to argue or belittle other beliefs, but to share the hope we have in Jesus with gentleness and reverence. This approach honors God and opens hearts rather than closing them.
1 Peter 3:15
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”
2 Timothy 2:24-25
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
Galatians 6:1
“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Government and Religion
Warning Against False Teachings
While we are not to judge hearts, Scripture does warn us to be on guard against false teachings and spiritual deception. Recognizing falsehood is not about condemning individuals, but about protecting the truth of the Gospel and helping others find their way to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
“These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.”
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God.”
Galatians 1:8
“Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.”
2 Peter 2:1
“But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them.”
Love Is the Greatest Commandment
Above all, the Bible emphasizes love as the highest calling of the believer. Even when we disagree with others or encounter those from different religious traditions, we are commanded to love them as God loves us. Love doesn’t mean compromise, but it always seeks to build, not tear down.
Matthew 22:37-39
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
1 Corinthians 13:1-2
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Romans 13:10
“Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
Galatians 5:14
“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Colossians 3:14
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Praying for All People
Rather than judge those from other religions, we are called to pray for them. Prayer reflects God’s heart for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Through prayer, we participate in God’s work and demonstrate true compassion for others.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Romans 10:1
“Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved.”
Luke 6:28
“Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”
Colossians 4:2-3
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ.”