You be the judge...

"The Bible says you're not supposed to judge!"
How many times have you heard someone quote this scripture? Usually it's in reference to a behavior that hits close to home. They really don't like another person telling them that they, or someone they love, is doing wrong. In defense they spout a partial scripture that clearly shows they have never really read the entire chapter themselves, and they are only repeating what they have heard someone else say.

The truth is, we are to judge ourselves, first and foremost, and keep our sinful nature in check. We can judge the actions of others, and if they blatantly go against the word of God, we can say "What you are doing is against God's word." It's funny that you never hear someone in a court of law say, "You can't judge me!" The judge sitting in that chair, holding that gavel, knows the law of the land backwards and forwards. He has studied it, lived it, and possible even twisted it a litttle. Because of his vast knowledge of what is and is not allowed, he is able to stand in judgement over others.

As Christians, we should know the rules and regulations. We should study the Word of God and know it backwards and forwards. When we see someone who is doing wrong, we should first look at ourselves. When we have dealt with anything unseemly, we can then freely go to them and say, "Look, I know you are ________, and you know what the Bible says about that. How can I help you overcome this?"

However, if you are cheating on your spouse, you have no room to speak to someone about their pornography addiction. If you are a functional alcoholic, you have no right to condem someone for smoking pot.
If you are a gossip, you have no right to open your mouth to anyone about anything.

Judging another's behavior should always be done in love. Love can be compassionate, or it can be tough. It can be gentle, or it can be stern and immovable. A lot depends on the person and the situation.
But most importantly, we must let God guide us in our approach, because, after all, we are His representative.