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Jesus warns Christians about sinfully judging each other (Matthew 7:1–5). But what happens when a spirit of judgment—whether silent or explicit—overtakes us? Here are twenty-two marks of a judgmental church.

1. A judgmental church will be infected with pride.
2. A judgmental church will be marred with conflict.
3. A judgmental church will be controlled by fear.
4. A judgmental church will major on minors.
5. A judgmental church will inflame anger.
6. A judgmental church will discourage openness.
7. A judgmental church will misuse “truth” and “discernment.”
8. A judgmental church will demonize disagreement.
9. A judgmental church will assume without asking.
10. A judgmental church will neglect its community.
11. A judgmental church will overclaim “persecution.”
12. A judgmental church will principlize preferences.
13. A judgmental church will polarize over grey areas.
14. A judgmental church will distort Scripture.
15. A judgmental church will flatten diversity.
16. A judgmental church will glory in rightness.
17. A judgmental church will hinder self-awareness.
18. A judgmental church will shoot its wounded.
19. A judgmental church will repel the broken.
20. A judgmental church will attract hypocrites.
21. A judgmental church will elevate Pharisees.
22. A judgmental church will sterilize grace.

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers… There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:11–12).

May the God of mercy cleanse our hearts and churches of sinful judgment.