Here Comes the Judge

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” – Matthew 7:2
In this society we are all fixated on a live and let live mentality.  If another person’s actions do not directly impact me, no harm.  This feeling of tolerance has engrained in our thinking that we are not to challenge someone on their actions.  The word teaches us not to judge others, for we will also be judged (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37; Romans 14:10), but it is important that we look below the words on the page and understand the meaning in the usage of the words.

The word judge is one of those words that has so many definitions it can be confusing to the context by which it is used.  There are at least 15 different definitions for the single word judge.  From the Greek word, krino, we are led to multiple definitions as well which range from decision, discernment, to approve, to call into question, to rule or govern, to be of opinion and to separate as in judgment.  We are often times quick to jump to the final 3 definitions when we feel others are condemning our actions.  Yet there are several instances in the scriptures where it actually calls Christians to judge one another with grace and love to help each other on the path of righteousness.

In this way we are not judging for salvation’s sake, or in an attempt to replace God’s judgment on mankind.  The Bible is clear that God the Father, and His Son, are the only rightful judge of man’s eternal destination.  We are not to apply judgment on one another’s eternity, for we have not authority in doing so.  This does not mean though that we are not to apply discernment in others actions, and form opinions on the righteousness of others actions according to His Word.  It is not within our place to chastise, correct or condemn another’s actions, but I believe it is certainly appropriate to confront someone when necessary.

In this manner the Bible is also clear.  In Matthew 7:3-5, we find Jesus explaining to us that we are not in a position to confront another in any specific area of unrighteousness if we likewise are guilty in this same area.  We must look within ourselves, and be under self-control before we can effectively help a brother or sister through their struggles.  The Holy Spirit will act, within each of us, as judge on the righteousness of our own behavior.  As a part of God the Father, He has the full authority to do this.  You know right from wrong inherently, not just because the law tells you so.  This self awareness of your righteous behavior is your own methodology of judging yourself.  You need to be aware of your unrighteous behavior and deal with that in resolving it between you and God.  Then, and only then do you have the right to bring forth an opinion on other’s in this area. 

Tolerance in today’s world has become the norm, but it is not Biblical.  We are called to abide in Him and help one another.  Providing guidance and advice to another must be done cautiously with the love and grace of the Father, not with condemnation.  The intent should be to help them become stronger followers of Jesus Christ and in doing so strengthen the overall Kingdom.  There is a delicate line between providing loving support and advice and chastising condemnation.  I strongly suggest that you are fully within God’s direction and leadership when you choose to confront another individual on a situation.  The Word of the Lord is your strength and must be used as the checks and balance during these encounters.

Walk with the Lord and learn to apply loving advice to His children, as you would to your own.

Prayer:
Father Almighty,
Thank You for Your Word.  Thank You that it might live within our hearts and minds, and that it may become alive through us.  Help us to be discerning in this world of ours and to stand up for the truth we find in Your Word.  Strengthen us, oh Lord, to overcome our unrighteousness that we might in turn be used by You for helping others.  Give us Your peace and understanding to deal with the backlash from society when we have offended.  We seek Your glory and give all honor to You.  In Your name we pray – Amen


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