If we are going to judge Biblically:
1. We can't have a critical spirit.
We must judge things fairly, not negatively or hopelessly (Philippians 4:8).
2. We can't be hypocritical.
We must honestly confess our own sins before we can help others deal with their sins (Matthew 7:1-5).*
3. We must not judge externals like wealth, popularity, looks, or position (1 Samuel 16:7; John 7:24; James 2:1-8).
4. We must have genuine concern for those we confront.
Confrontation in love and humility is constructive, not destructive. (John 13:34-35; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4).
5. We must reject cut and paste explanations about Biblical judgment.
By taking a single phrase out of context (Matthew 7:1), many Christians are letting culture, not Scripture, shape their thinking. They have accepted the false belief that we are not supposed to judge anyone or anything. Not true.
Our culture hates judgment, not sin. God hates sin and encourages appropriate judgment.
Let's follow Jesus, not culture.
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*This is where the famous "Judge Not" passage is pulled out of context. Verse 5 says after we remove our own "planks" we are then in a position to judge the "specks" of others.
Want to read more about Biblical Judgment? Check out the "Misunderstandings About Judgment" Archive.
Don't miss today's Bite Size Bible Study which expands on this devotion by offering 5 times when the Bible commands us to judge.
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" or "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
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