Judgment

Judging others is as common as the sunrise in our culture, yesterday, today and tomorrow. In fact, I judged a brother-in-law just yesterday. It was wrong. My dear wife convicted me, advising never to say anything condemning about anyone’s son. This is very good wisdom.  We have enough condemnation and criticism in this world. We can create much more peace by loving one another. Jesus has a lot to say about judgment.

In the Sermon On The Mount Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”  (Matthew 7:1).  He says to take the plank out of our own eye first, then we will see much more clearly. Perhaps doing this first will humble us to be more gentle and caring.

Paul teaches us in Romans 12:18, “As much as it depends upon you, be at peace with everyone.”  Being at peace with God and man it not easy in our flesh. However, the Holy Spirit will allow and guide us to be full of the fruit of the Spirit that will bring the patience, gentleness, goodness and self-control to walk in peace with everyone.

The only time the Bible teaches to judge is if a Christian brother is caught in sin. We are to correct or rebuke with great patience and encouragement.  Encouragement of good is much better than discussion of not so good, except when the sin is not recognized. Then the Matthew 18 process of progressive discussion and hoped repentance should take place.

It is by the grace of God go I.