So often, people who are obvious adulterers, liars, drug users, thieves or some other moral cipher, state defensively and emphatically, "You don't know me! You can't judge me!" Some will even reference the Bible, for which they have little other use, "Do not judge or you will be judged."
Well, they are absolutely as right as they are indefensibly wrong. The Bible does say we are not to judge (Luke 6:37). But it also says, in the rest of that verse, "Forgive and you will be forgiven." How can we forgive if we have not first identified a wrong?
In fact, the very point of the biblical imperative to not stand in judgment has to do with choosing to forgive over punishment. Reconciliation is the mission of God's children - punishment falls into God's domain: "'It is mine to avenge, I will repay', says the Lord" (Rom 12:19).
However, in order to forgive, we must first discern the wrong, which needs to be addressed. We are to inspect and discern the difference between "good and bad fruit" (Luke 6:43-45). And, we are even challenged to "remove the speck from your brother's eye" (Luke 6:42b). But, only after we "take the plank out of our own eye" (Luke 6:46a).
Discernment is necessary in order to make forgiveness possible. It is also necessary in protecting against those who are not willing to be forgiven or repent from their hurtful ways - the wolves in sheep's skins" warned about in Matthew 7:15.
Judge - not. Discern - yes. Forgive - always. Reconcile when and if possible.
Jus' Sayn.
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