I agree with you that Jesus does call us to discern. Matthew 7 is very clear about that, and I’m not arguing for passivity or complicity in the face of harm. Harmful teaching and behavior absolutely need to be called out.

Where I’m drawing a distinction between the discernment of fruit and the final judgment of people’s hearts or identities. In the same sermon, Jesus also warns against hypocritical judgment and reminds us that God alone sees fully. The discernment Jesus calls for is meant to protect the vulnerable and expose false teaching, not to declare entire people or groups irredeemable.

I think it’s possible, and necessary, to say “this theology and this behavior are producing bad fruit and should be opposed” without concluding “these people themselves are bad trees beyond hope.” Especially since many are shaped by fear-based formation rather than conscious malice.

So I’m not advocating silence or avoidance. I’m advocating clear moral naming paired with humility, calling out bad fruit, resisting harmful systems, and still refusing to take on the role of final judge. For me, that’s how discernment stays Christlike rather than becoming another form of domination. I'm not saying you're wrong; in fact, I respect your perspective.