Who am I to judge? You’ve heard heard people say that, haven’t you? You have probably said that yourself. I think even the Pope responded to a question with that remark.  And, indeed, who are we to judge others?  The Bible specifically says that we are not to judge people (Matthew 7:1-2).  Or does it? If we read the next few verses, we discover that Jesus is speaking of holding ourselves to the same standards we expect of others and to make sure we are in a right relationship with God before we even think of others relationship with Him. That’s important. Hypocrisy doesn’t work well when we are trying to help others.

 

    And I think the “helping” aspect is important.  Are we correcting someone concerning Christian doctrine because we care about them or because we are mad at them for doing it?  Are our motives pure and honorable or are we just being “holier than thou”?  You see, we are specifically supposed to discern truth and speak truth. That is not judging people; it’s judging sin.  We not only have the right to reveal sin we have the responsibility to do it.  Just a few verses after the “do not judge” verse we are told to watch out for false prophets and that we will recognize them by their fruits.  In other words, we are to judge their doctrine and point out the untruths.

 

    I like to think of it like this:   Suppose you are on a beach and the weather is cloudy and windy and the red flags are flying that indicate it is dangerous to go in the water.  A young couple run onto the beach and head toward the water.  If you tell them that the red flag is flying, and it is dangerous to swim, are you judging them? When someone is doing something that the Bible says is contrary to the will of God and therefore dangerous, pointing that out with love and concern isn’t prohibited by the Bible.  It is encouraged.  Romans 10:14 says they cannot hear if no one tells them.

 

 Say good things about your Savior and His Church on the Bluff

 

 Bro. Tony