We always hear this banded about by non-Christians but more worryingly by Christians. Indeed I too always took it as a given that we are not to judge others – until that is – I read my Bible. The Bible actually says we are to judge – but it has a caveat – and that caveat is all important to how or if any ‘judging’ is done, and that is – that we are just judge JUSTLY. Now that single word throws a whole new light on the issue of judging others.
There is good reason why we need to judge what we hear and see
However – if by saying that ‘we should not judge others’, people mean that we are not to judge weather people will, or will not go to heaven – then that of course has to be correct. After all – who knows the hearts of men except God Himself? But when it comes to judging the actions and words of others here on earth – it is imperative that we make a rational judgement about what we hear and see from others – otherwise we are putting ourselves in danger of being in allegiance with people that we should not be in allegiance with.
We should not judge a person’s salvation
So; judge people’s eternal salvation? No way! But judge weather we should be bosom buddies and spend all our time with a person and potentially pick up their habits and traits based on their actions and words, held up against the light of what the Bible – God’s word – yes, for our own protection. Yes Jesus spent time with sinners and republicans giving them the gospel and ministering to them but he didn’t make them his best friends.
Judgement in the Old Testament
- “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom; his tongue speaks what is right.” (Psalm 37:30)
- “With my lips I recite all the judgments you have spoken.” (Psalm 119:13)
- “Open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor!” (Proverbs 31:9)
Judging in the New Testament
- “Stop judging by appearances, but judge justly.” (John 7:24)
- “Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” (Luke 7:43)
- “The spiritual person, however, can judge everything but is not subject to judgment* by anyone.” (1 Cor 2:15)
- “Do you not know that the holy ones will judge the world? If the world is to be judged by you, are you unqualified for the lowest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? Then why not everyday matters?” (1 Cor 6:2-3)
I love God, Christ, The Bible. art, painting, playing music, improvising music, guitar (first instrument), drumming (not very good at it:), and anything musical or art related. Quick note – my articles are usually spun off in minutes so forgive any errors – hopefully you get the essence of the article and I’ll pick up mistakes later. If you want to write of 101ChristianMagazine and inspire and edify Christians with articles on faith, general news, hobbies or anything that interests you email me at: epgb101@gmail.com:)
