What does that word judge mean? As in what specifically did Christ mean?
It also means that we as Christians are to discern what is right and wrong and what is good and what is evil based on the fact we are Christians, which means Christlike. We are never to compromise or endorse evil which is what unbelievers want us to do.
Compare this with 1 Corinthians 2:15:
"But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged by no one."
Here the word "judges" means "appraises".
The 2 commands don't make sense if the word "judge" is used literally. But when translated into the more accurate "condemn" and "appraise", they make perfect sense.
krino..... greek
1) to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose
2) to approve, esteem, to prefer
3) to be of opinion, deem, think, to be of opinion
4) to determine, resolve, decree
5) to judge
a) to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong
1) to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one’s case may be examined and judgment passed upon it
b) to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure
1) of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others
6) to rule, govern
a) to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions, because it was the prerogative of kings and rulers to pass judgment
7) to contend together, of warriors and combatants
a) to dispute
b) in a forensic sense
1) to go to law, have suit at law
Per Strong’s Concordance
It means quote the law, but be very careful about applying it to anyone, because you are most probably not coming from a place of love.
Paradoxically, only those who love can damn, because only those who love can know that there is no prejudice in their judgement.
And by damn, I mean damn to hell - which, of course, no one is actually empowered to do. But Lordy, to people love to teach others that they are damned!
Here's a perfect example - how many times have you seen fault in someone, and thought they were going to hell, versus how many times you have seen good in someone, and thought they were going to heaven?
As I said, this doesn't mean we don't point out the law (of God).
But a loving advisory is not a damnation, or a threat of damnation. Jesus far more encouraged, than threatened. And He outright commanded we love each other - not threaten each other with damnation "in the name of loving their souls," (as so many like to claim).
IMO, ‘Judge not, that you may not be judged yourselves; for as you judge so you will be judged, and the measures you deal out to others will be dealt out to yourselves.’ is an admonition to judge righteously. It’s not that we should not judge, but that our judgments must be clear of any ulterior motive or deceptive underpinnings.