|
Judging
Summary: Although often thought to be a
"sin unto death" by some individuals who have
never read the Bible, Christians are not only allowed to judge people and
actions, but they
are also commanded to. The Bible teaches that hypocrites should keep
their mouths shut,
but Christians who are not in sin should contend for the faith.
|
Mathew 7:1 is often used by the
scripturally and spiritually illiterate as a commandment
to Christians to not say anything or anyone is wrong (Matt.
7:1 "Judge not, that ye be not judged.").
However, contrary to popular opinion, neither this
passage nor the Bible forbids Christians from judging,
rebuking, reprimanding, or warning others.
When reading Matthew seven in context,
it is clear that the simple message the chapter contains
is that if you judge, you should be prepared to be
judged, and that before you worry about your neighbor’s
sin you should first remove the sin from your own life
(Matt. 7:5).
For the Christians who are not
hypocrites, i.e. living in sin, the Bible is very
straightforward.
Jude 3-4: "...earnestly contend
for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
II Tim. 4:2 "...Preach the word; be instant in
season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
long-suffering and doctrine."
I Cor. 2:15 "But he that is spiritual
judgeth all things…"
I Tim. 5:20 "Them that sin rebuke before all,
that others also may fear."
Amos 5:15 "Hate the evil, and love the
good, and establish judgment in the gate..."
Phil. 3:17-18 "Brethren, be followers together of
me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an
ensample. For many walk, of whom I have told you often,
and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies
of the cross of Christ."
Eph. 5:11 "And have no fellowship with the
unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
John the Baptist judged (Matt. 3:7), Paul judged
(Acts 13:10), Stephen judged (Acts 7:51), Jesus judged
(Mark 11:15), David judged (Psalm 139:19-24), (Also read
Jude 23, I John 4:1, James 4:4)
|
|
|
