Judging others 

Many times I hear people say your not suppose to judge. Which is the same thing as saying that I want to do what I want, so don’t question me about my actions or behavior. It does amaze me sometimes when I hear Christians use that phrase. Because it means they are only reading part of it’s meaning.

Lets take a look at the biblical view maybe it might shed some light on the subject. Matthew 7:1-3 ” Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your eye”.

On the surface this would seem to say not to look at anything that someone does and ever make a conclusion that they could be wrong. But, we have to try and understand that Jesus was talking about those who were critical of someone when they were doing the same things. Adultery, lying, stealing, etc. It’s like a parent telling their child not to smoke while they’re doing it

Again remember what Paul taught: “For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person.” 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 This has nothing to do with mans secular laws. If a person steals, etc, then man’s law will deal with him.

What Paul is saying is that those people who aren’t part of the body will be judged by the Lord. But those of us who are of the Church are to judge the actions of fellow believers. We are to help each other with correction, for the health of the church.

Remember also John 7:24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” 

1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Yes, Jesus spent much of His ministry with the lost of the world. those who needed His message the most. but at no time did He join in their sins or make excuses for the evil. He said “go and sin no more.” If your going to make excuses and then try to tell us that is what Jesus would do, I question how much you really understand about His word. Have you made some bad choices? Don’t blame God or someone else. Get right with Him, It’s easy to shift blame, better to fix it.

Leviticus 19:17  Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.:  In other words don’t hate a brother but rebuke someone to bring them into a proper relationship.

That doesn’t mean that we should run around trying to find fault with everybody, actually the opposite is true. But things like false doctrine, committing sin, etc should be confronted so that the person can be brought back to a correct relationship with Jesus.

There is a formula for doing this:

1. In love bring it to the persons attention

2. Bring someone with you to confront the person

3. Bring the matter before the church body.Of course thats only if the first two have no effect.

We can’t always sit down and speak face to face with someone. On the internet, facebook or other such pages it is the only contact we make with some people. This means that we have to understand that when someone approaches us about an issue, we should keep an open mind.

If you make a statement about your life and fellow Christians know that it doesn’t agree with what the bible teaches. We have an obligation to confront it. Some people will thank you, and yet others will become hurt or angry. Then it becomes a situation of not listening and saying something like that is just the way it is. Or that is the way my church teaches me, or anything not to be confronted by the issue.

Here’s the bottom line; If we call ourselves a Christian, then that means we have submitted ourselves to Christ. A disciple of His, is a student, because nobody starts out as a teacher. We must all be willing to learn His word and grow in it. That is where you get great teachers, and preachers like Spurgeon. But it’s also how we develop the wonderful gifts the Holy Spirit gives us.

So, please in the future realize that even though someone may not approach you the way you’d like, maybe you should think that they might be doing it out of love. Especially if you know that the bible speaks out against what your doing.  One thing you should keep in mind is that when you belong to Jesus you become a “new creature” it’s not an easy process, but the Holy Spirit lives with you and He will help you develop the gifts He gives you. You must strive to be holy, not perfect, but holy. The process will take time, but it means giving up the old ways. 

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or and extortioner – not even to eat with such a person.” I Corinthians 5:11  I would add to this anyone who teaches a false gospel…

The formula above from the bible still holds true, but if a person refuses to repent and turn from their ways, Paul is very clear about our obligation as Christians. None of this should be done with ease or without prayer, to reject someone is very serious. Remember it’s just like a barrel of apples; if you have one rotten apple and it’s left in the barrel eventually it will corrupt the whole barrel.

The problem seems to be that nobody wants to be wrong, but look at the situation our world today has gotten into. There doesn’t seem to be a moral compass any longer, and Christians for the most part want the title, but not the responsibility. Please consider what it means when we reject His commands.

One more thing I would add to this; if a person commits a horrible thing like murder or if a person breaks a local or state law, etc it doesn’t excuse them from having to fulfill the requirements of the law. Again please understand I am not advocating that anyone assume that their superior to anyone else. Because none of us are. We have to love people because God does. And He is the final judge. God’s peace

“This worldly definition of love is not Gods definition of Agape. When the World says unconditional they are saying that there is no condition the Lord would ever set that would keep you out of Heaven, and this is a Demonic lie designed to destroy. The Lord God does Hate and even rejects many and He is Just for doing so. “Jacob have I Loved but Esau have I hated” The Worlds wishy washy idea of Love simply does not cut it. Where is your notion of unconditional love concerning the Wicked whom the Lord surely will destroy without mercy to those who have shown no mercy, folks … that is very conditional. For yet another example of Gods conditions read Matthew 6:14,15 very conditional!”  Eric DeJesus

Paul Washer “People tell me judge not lest ye be judged. I always tell them, twist not scripture lest ye be like Satan.”

Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.  Proverbs 31:9

In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor  Leviticus 19:15b

God Bless, Dan Beliveau

Christians need to get angry

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer%27s%20Corner/get_angry.htm