Judge Not? Really?
I have written on this topic before but it continues to come up, so I think it needs some more attention.
The verse everyone uses to condemn others for judging is Matthew 7:1: “Judge not that you be not judged.” They apparently don’t read on to verse 5, which says, “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (emphasis mine).
There are two kinds of judgment: self-righteous and caring. It is wrong for you to think you are superior to your neighbor because “I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all I get; I am not like this sinner” (Luke 18:12). In having that kind of attitude, you are proving that you are indeed worse than that “sinner.” However, Scripture outlines clearly what are deeds of the flesh and what are fruits of the Spirit. When Paul says, “Those who do these things shall not enter the kingdom of God,” we are not judging that those who are immoral, envious, angry, etc. are not truly children of God. That is what the Word says.
It really doesn’t matter if I understand why someone does the things they do or even if I would do the same things myself. The only thing that should matter is, Is it the right thing to do? Is it how God would have me handle the situation? What does the Bible say? In this age of tolerance, no one wants to be told that they are a sinner, but it is that refusal to listen to truth that is going to send them to Hell.
When you see someone living in sin, don’t take the approach of, “I’m not judging; I’m just going to love them.” That is not really love. Instead, share with them your concern. Show them what the Word says about the life they are living. And pray for them. Before you do this, however, I would recommend going to the Lord and asking Him to show you the things in your life that you need to repent for. Once you make those things right, then you can go to another person out of love and with a clean heart, and maybe they will listen to you.
Great post once again…Thank you!