The scriptures tell us to abstain from judging others. However, there are other passages in the Bible that tell us we should address sin and offenses in the body of Christ. So how do we do both successfully?
Before we go any further, let’s find out the definition of “judging” according to Strong’s Concordance:
H8199: (judge): 1. To act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man), to rule, govern, judge.2. to decide controversy (of God, man). 3. to execute judgment: discriminating (of man), vindicating, condemning and punishing…
G2919: (judge): 1. to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose. 2. to approve, esteem, to prefer, to be of opinion, deem, think, to be of opinion. 3. to determine, resolve, decree. 4. to judge. to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong, to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one’s case may be examined and judgment passed…
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17
One of the definitions of judging is about condemning people. If we judge someone with the intent of condemning them, we basically have pronounced a verdict on them. That’s dangerous. We have a tendency to expect others to change in our timeframe or else we give up on them. Basically, we decide that there is no hope of change for the person. That is contrary to above scripture, and it is not in line with Jesus’ heart for people.
Jesus told us that God sent Him not to condemn the world but to save it (See John 3:17). There will come a day when Jesus will return to judge the world, but in the meantime, it is the time of God’s favor upon humanity. It is the season of redemption, salvation, and repentance. Jesus died and was resurrected 2000 years ago, and He still has not given up on humanity and has been patient with people! Many of us did not respond to God’s promptings and convictions right away. For some of us, it took years before we repented and began to change our ways. We know from our personal experiences that Jesus has been patient with us as well.
Similarly, as God’s representatives, our goal in judging should be to evaluate a situation with a redemptive heart and mind with the hope of change. This means we don’t ignore sin, but we handle it in the manner prescribed in the Bible.
So how do we do this well? There are four relational areas that should we consider in relation to judging others. I will share two in this devotional and the other two in the next devotional.
Personal Relationships
When we are in relationship with other Christians, there are going to be instances that we will be tempted to judge their behavior/actions. The first thing we should do is to determine if their actions are against the Bible or against our preference. This is an important issue because we have a tendency to make our opinions/preferences a Biblical issue.
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15
If the person’s behavior is causing us pain, offense, etc., then we should go to our brother/sister and take care of the matter between us. If the person does not receive us, then there is a protocol established in (Matthew 18:15-17) that we should follow to get the situation handled properly. We should not go to the person just to speak our mind and help ourselves feel better. Instead, we go with the heart and the mind of Christ and seek reconciliation.
In the meantime, we should restrain ourselves from discussing the issue with others who were not part of the situation and have no role in helping/handling the matter according to Matthew 18. This protects the hearers from a secondary offense since they do not know the whole story nor is it their offense to follow the guidelines of Matthew 18:15-17.
The above scripture does not guarantee that the person will receive us or will repent from their bad behavior. However, we are called to forgive the person regardless of their response. On the other hand, reconciliation is possible only when both parties are willing to reconcile and accept the error of their ways.
Brothers and sisters in Christ
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20
There are times when we see a brother or sister in Christ engaged in something that is sinful. In those situations, the scriptures give us permission to go to our brother and sister with a heart of love and share with them our concern. That is the not the kind of judging that the Bible is against. We should also be open to accept others’ input when they may see something that is sinful or offensive in our lives.
For example, If I find out a sister in the church has decided to move-in with her boyfriend, I can gently explain to tell her that this is against God’s word and His will for her life. If she receives me, praise God! That action will cover a multitude of sins. If she doesn’t receive me, I have done my part as a sister in Christ to warn her and to encourage her on the right path. She may feel unloved or rejected, but as much as it depends on me, I will continue to pray for her and be loving and kind to her. As a sister in Christ, I will not give up on her, but I will not enable her sinful lifestyle either. In this situation, the church leadership has a different role. They may ask her to sit down from her ministry responsibilities until such a time that she gets the situation resolved.
God holds His people accountable, and He expects us to hold each other accountable. I will continue with this subject on this important issue.
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