Woah, woah, woah. Before you bring out the tar and feathers I simply ask that you open your heart and bear with me. I am not a theologian or a Biblical scholar. I am not a teacher or a preacher. I am in fact a sinner. But I am a sinner saved. I feel this subject is on my heart, and I will do my best to speak God’s truth on the matter. If I fall short, please forgive me, but I have to try.
One of the most common phrases uttered today, and probably one of the most quoted Bible scriptures by Christians and non-Christians alike is “judge not that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1) It’s even a popular tattoo. Yet I believe it to be one of the most misunderstood scriptures out there.
Occasionally the Lord will stir a subject in my heart and I will feel led to blog about it. Sometimes it might be a subject where we all fall short, and my motive is to bring it to light for gentle reproof of sin. It’s not that I personally go into someone’s living room and say “you are wrong,” but rather put it out there so the Lord may convict as necessary. This is my goal anyway, and I try to approach it kindly and in a loving manner, though in some circumstances strong wording is appropriate to get the point across. Regardless I strive to maintain pure motives.
If I fail at this I don’t mind someone telling me so. But I always get a bit frustrated when the words “judgmental” and “hypocrite” are thrown around. Hypocrisy is actually easy to counter for by definition it is the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform.
Just because you bring light to error doesn’t mean you’re a hypocrite. It means you’re forgiven after your own confession, and that you desire redemption for others. For me, through trial and error, God draws me closer to His ways, and I enjoying sharing what He teaches me.
But judgment is a horse of a different color. People really want to hang on to the fact that only God can judge. I’ve see that tattoo also. Yet according to scripture Christians are given the authority to judge if done correctly.
John 7:24
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
We are not to judge according to appearance or even according to our own opinion, but we are given authority to judge according to God’s word.
It’s very important to understand that this is not a basis of self worth. What I mean is that when you bring to light the sin of a brother or sister in Christ you’re not basing their worth on their action. I’m sure you’ve heard “hate the sin, not the sinner.” It’s pretty much the same thing.
See, a person’s worth is based on Christ in them. As children of God, loved intimately by Him, we all are worthy. Sometimes our actions just might not represent God’s kingdom appropriately. And since as His children we wish to please Him, sometimes righteous judgement by a caring sibling in Christ is not only beneficial, but necessary.
Am I making sense?
I know I fall short so often, and I am continually striving to see the plank in my own eye. None of us is perfect, it’s true. But God doesn’t require perfection, just obedience. And sometimes we all need a reminder of how to be obedient. Me included.
That’s not a form of throwing stones while holding a pocket full of sin. It’s obeying God’s call to help one another along in this harsh world that we share together.
Maybe I’m off my rocker, but it seems to me that we as Chistians can judge when done appropriately and with a pure heart and motive. Do people mess this up? You betcha!
But the point to remember is that while yes, only God can judge your soul, don’t become angry at a sister who just desires to help you.
Sondra Tidwell says
Ur writing is wonderful love to read I learn so much and I thank u for that!! KEEP BLOGGING LOVE U GIRL
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Deborah says
You are 100% correct! I have been called that by family members who are living in sin and professing to be Christians. How can I stand silent and let you lead people to believe that you are a true Christian when you are openly living in sin??? I have actually had to distance myself from some because it makes me upset as some of the sin is hurting people I love. “Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently” Galatians 6:1. I have heard “yea I know, I am working on it and God understands.” God understands failing at times, but I do not think he understands “willful” sin when if you just showed a little restraint you could abstain. I think when he forgave the woman caught in adultery he said “Go and sin NO MORE” and that last part is what people conveniently forget about!!!