A judgmental Christian would criticize you just because you don’t share their beliefs, and they can excuse their actions by twisting their faith to fit their behavior.
Nobody enjoys being judged or put into a stereotype, especially when it comes from people who are supposed to be spreading kindness because of their faith.
It can be hard to know how to respond when a judgmental Christian is making negative comments about you.
It’s a tough situation and even worse when these people claim to believe in love but only show intolerance.
We’ve put together 15 of the best responses you can use when faced with this kind of judgment, no matter what they criticize you for.
List of the Best Replies to Say to a Judgemental Christian
Even if you’re a Christian, you could still face judgment and criticism.
It could come from a close family member, a trusted friend, another believer, or even a stranger. No matter who it is, dealing with their judgments can be challenging.
But using these responses can help you stay confident:
- We all have our own struggles.
- Only God can truly judge.
- Let’s focus on love and kindness.
- Everyone is on their own journey.
- We should build each other up.
- Love the sinner, hate the sin.
- We’re all imperfect.
- Compassion goes a long way.
- Let’s support each other instead.
- Judgment isn’t our role.
- Focus on your own growth.
- Let’s practice forgiveness.
- Everyone deserves grace.
- I’m disappointed. You should be here to help, not judge if you’re genuinely a Christian.
- Seek to understand, not to judge.
Let people say what they want; God knows your true intentions. Don’t let their negativity pull you away from your path with God. Ultimately, only God can decide who is right or wrong.
You may also find that it’s best to distance yourself from these people if you can. They’re not genuinely following Christian principles if they’re being judgmental because the Bible says, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
In the following sections, you’ll learn how to use our suggested responses in the right situations.
1. We all have our own struggles
No matter their criticizing you, you can always respond with, “We all have our own struggles.”
It’s powerful to remind them of a truth on which everyone can agree, even those who criticize you harshly.
The Bible in Luke 6:45 tells us that what people say reflects what’s in their hearts. So, their judgmental attitude can be coming from their own struggles. They shouldn’t judge you because they have their own issues.
2. Only God can truly judge
One thing judgmental Christians need to understand is that they can’t change or control others. You can use this response to remind them of that.
By doing so, you help them realize that the only person they can control is themselves and that only God is working in everyone’s life for the better, including yours.
3. Let’s focus on love and kindness
Another effective response to judgmental Christians is to remind them to focus on love and kindness. This aligns with how God instructs Christians to act.
In Luke 5:31-32, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
So, instead of criticizing you harshly, they should approach you with love and kindness, just as Christ would.
4. Everyone is on their own journey
Another approach when dealing with someone being too judgmental is to remind them that everyone has their path.
Just because you’re not following the path they believe is right doesn’t give them the right to criticize you harshly.
This response encourages them to consider that their perspective might only show part of the picture.
5. We should build each other up
The best way to respond to a judgmental person is to stay positive and show that you’re not affected by their harsh comments.
A response like “we should build each other up” works well in this situation.
This is especially effective when they’re judging you for something you did out of ignorance, and instead of correcting you with love, they’re criticizing you.
6. Love the sinner, hate the sin
If you want a witty response for a judgmental Christian, try saying, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.”
This clever remark works in any situation. You can say it and then walk away to avoid their negativity affecting you.
This response is great because it echoes the message from Ephesians 4:3 in the Bible, which encourages us to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
7. We’re all imperfect
The truth is that no one is without flaws. As long as we’re human, there will always be something about us that others might criticize or comment on. Even the bible in 1 John 1:8
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Reminding them of this reality can be an effective way to deflect criticism when dealing with many judgmental people.
8. Compassion goes a long way
Instead of trying to be defensive or justifying your actions or beliefs that are judgemental, people are reviling. Simply let them realize that compassion will go a long way, not hate.
Those who see only the devil in your actions are no different from those they detest because they lack compassion.
9. Let’s support each other instead
“Let’s support each other instead” can be a strong response when someone is seriously judging you while claiming to do so in the name of Christian faith.
Although it can be tough to accept, acknowledging and sharing our flaws with God and trusted individuals without fear of condemnation is a beautiful aspect of Christianity. It’s both a gift and a command from God.
As James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
10. Judgment isn’t our role
The inspiration behind this response comes from the NIV version of John 7:24, where God tells us to “stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
When we consider it, judgment is reserved for God alone. So, those judgmental Christians have no right to make you feel bad about yourself.
When you encounter people like that, this remark will be helpful.
11. Focus on your own growth
Looking for a snappy remark to throw them off? Try saying, “Focus on your own growth.”
In the end, salvation is personal. Instead of getting caught up in your Christian journey and the decisions you’re making, they should direct that energy toward their own path.
12. Let’s practice forgiveness
A genuine Christian practices forgiveness instead of casting judgment on others. If they are the true Christians they claim to be, they would follow Christ’s example, who forgave us despite our sins.
By not extending a forgiving heart and holding onto bitterness, they are not emulating Christ. So, just tell them, “Let’s practice forgiveness.”
And if they continue with the negative comments, it’s best to distance yourself from them.
13. Everyone deserves grace
If you want to encourage self-reflection in someone judging you, say, “Everyone deserves grace.” But don’t stop there.
Ask them to imagine standing before God’s throne and explaining why they condemned or gossiped about others for their sins, all while expecting unconditional forgiveness from God for themselves.
When we judge and condemn others for their spiritual and emotional struggles, we’re essentially saying that we believe they don’t deserve God’s healing or forgiveness.
14. I’m disappointed. You should be here to help, not judge if you’re genuinely a Christian
Another way to respond to someone harshly judging you is by expressing disappointment in their behavior.
I love how Apostle Paul puts it in the book of Romans, chapter 14, verse 10: “You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”
This serves as a reminder that, in gratitude for God’s forgiveness and mercy, those judgers’ lives should reflect the joy of that forgiveness rather than the judgment of others.
15. Seek to understand, not to judge
Alternatively, you can calmly ask them not to judge you anymore. Instead, encourage them to focus on inspiring others to reach a place of freedom and a clear conscience.
Many judgmental Christians don’t take the time to understand the intentions or circumstances behind their actions or beliefs.
They often criticize others without considering that there might be different ways to live or think beyond what they believe is the only right way.
On a Second Thought…
Before you get upset and accuse people of being judgmental Christians, remember that sometimes they may just be trying to give you advice and help you out.
It’s important to be able to tell the difference. Just because someone says something you don’t like doesn’t mean they’re trying to criticize you or make you feel bad.
They may be coming from a place of care and trying to support your Christian journey.
Final Thoughts
If you look closely at the lives of these judgmental Christians, you may find that they’re often driven by fear of death and hell, which they’ve heard preached to them repeatedly.
Trying to make others follow their beliefs helps them feel more secure in their faith. When someone becomes overly zealous, it often reveals how weak their faith really is.
We hope the responses in this article will help you stay strong against their harsh words. You’re not judged by us, at least. 🙂
