A thought about judging others in a "Call-Out Culture"

You might have heard the term “Call-Out Culture” used over the last year. Wikipedia describes “call-out culture” as a “form of public humiliation that aims to hold individuals and groups accountable for their actions by calling attention to behavior perceived to be problematic, usually on social media.” The terms “outrage culture” and “cancel culture” are variations of the same idea.

Jesus taught about judging others in the “Sermon on the Mount.” “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.” - Matthew 7:1-2 NLT

Most people, who know these words, think Jesus was giving a blanket statement about NOT JUDGING. Mainly because they don’t know the rest of what Jesus said. He followed those “famous” words with instruction about judging true prophets (teachers) and false. The standard of judgement was to be their fruit or judging them by how they live and how they treat others.

It is impossible to live a healthy life without judgment. Every day we judge doctors, lawyers, teachers, bosses, politicians, judges, preachers, etc., etc., etc., as to their performance and merit. Rightly so! Only a fool would get treated by a physician without judging. BUT when a person judges, they must judge by the same criteria that they would want to be judged by.

That is not how it works in the “call-out culture” and especially in social media. People judge others by what they post and judge themselves by their motives and intentions. What would happen if every person who posted on social media would judge others by their motives (giving the benefit of the doubt) and judged themselves by what they post?