Are We to Judge Others?

Season 3 Episode 29 -- From the various TV shows with a judge as the star, to the debates in social media, and even to conversations among believers, it seems to me that we have a natural bent toward judging others.  Is this ever appropriate in our work, our families, our community, and our church?  What does the Bible say about judging?  What is judging anyway?  What are cautions and methods to be considered?  Listen to this episode and find out the answers!

"Reflect on This" is a once-a-week, short devotional podcast, where I share what I am learning about following Jesus, through applying eternal biblical principles to life, in practical ways.  Not religion, but RELATIONSHIP - relationship with Jesus!
 
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Resources that inspired some episodes:

"The Seven Primal Questions" by Mike Foster

"Worship Is My Weapon" podcast by Rita Springer:  https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL 

"My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger

"The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis

“Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis

Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/

35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository 

"Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge

"Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

"The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets

"Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges

“The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman

"The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Featured ministries and resources:
 
“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/ 

"Manufacture Good" (ministry)
Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/.

"The World and Everything in It" (podcast)
This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."
 
“Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast) 
This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.  
 
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Transcript

To judge or not to judge.  That is a question that comes up from time to time among followers of Jesus.  Part of the question has to do with the definition of the word “judge.”  In most places in the New Testament, the Greek word that is translated as “judge” is krino (KREE-no).  It means to separate, to approve, to determine, or to pronounce an opinion.  

What are the biblical principles related to judging others?  Let’s look at some relevant verses.

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13a NASB)

In this passage, “the difference between believers and nonbelievers lies in their relationship to Jesus Christ. The outsiders (referring to nonbelievers) are to be met where they are (even in their sinful lifestyles) and offered the gospel message. Yet the believers are not responsible to judge them because God will.”  (Life Application New Testament Commentary)

Some apply this passage to individual problems between believers.  But “these verses are instructions for dealing with open sin in the church, with a person who claims to be a Christian and yet who sins without remorse. The church is to confront and discipline such a person in love.” (Life Application New Testament Commentary)  

For individual problems between believers, Jesus gave this guidance:

Matthew 18:15 NLT  “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”

Listen to the following cautions regarding judging fellow believers:

Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. (Romans 2:1 NASB)

But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD." So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10-12 NASB)

Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. (James 5:9 NASB)

Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (James 4:11-12 NASB)

All of these verses encourage believers to use discretion and caution in passing judgment on others.

The Bible gives guidance on the proper method we should use when confronting fellow believers:

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:1-5 NASB)  

[Big idea:  Be alert.  We are often critical of what we ourselves struggle with.]

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." (John 7:24 NASB)  

[Big idea:  Be sure to judge based on facts, not initial impressions or appearances (which might prove to be wrong.)  Assume the best, not the worst.]

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. (Galatians 6:1 NASB)

[Big idea:  The goal of confronting a fellow believer is restoration of the believer (not judgment or punishment) – restoration to God, to the body of Christ, to family and friends, etc.]

Today, I encourage you to "Reflect on This."