Judging
Can a "Christian" judge someone?!
This is important to talk about, because many believe that you are never aloud to judge someone, stating..."only God can judge me". Is that true? We need to go to the scriptures to find the answer.
But first what does it mean to judge someone? The word for judging in the New Testament is Krino. This word simply means to determine and discern something. Yes, this is the word that Jesus used when He spoke of judging. Judging is an unavoidable part of life. All of our choices consist of judging.
Jesus gave instruction as how not to judge by one’s own standard. Christ warned against this, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).
We also have "Hypocritical Judging" Matthew 7:3-5. Common sense there!
So how do we judge then?
Jesus said in James that you may intervene and help…….
*James 5:19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wander will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
*John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Paul said in Romans to even avoid people that go against the doctrine…….
*Romans 16: 17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
*1 Corinthians 6:2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!
We are responsible to judge righteously according to the Word of God. Please don't believe the lie of "Only God can judge me". What people are really saying is "stop pointing out my sin". We need to warn people of dangers from others or help them to see their sin in a loving way. If you deeply love Jesus, you have to stand strong on the Truth and His Word.
