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.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts.