Two Popular Lies that Christians Use to Silence Other Christians

You can listen to this devotion on You Tube, if you prefer: 2 False Teachings.

I'm deeply concerned about false teachings used by well-meaning but uninformed Christians. These false teachings are deeply embedded in church culture, and they often keep believers from sharing God's life-changing Word with those involved in sinful behavior.

1. The “judge not” error. 

No, dear Christians, Matthew 7:1-5 does not tell us that “it’s not our place to judge.” It tells us we should not judge someone for their sins if we are not dealing with our own.

And this doesn't mean that only perfect people can make judgments. God knows we are all imperfect, yet He commands us to judge things throughout Scripture.(1)

2. The “all sins are the same” lie.

True: Everyone sins, all sins are bad, and God can forgive all sins except one. 

But Scripture clearly tells us that some sins are more evil and damaging than others. If you believe God sees the sin of an irresponsible teenager the same way he sees the sin of a child molester, you don’t know God’s heart. 

And despite cultural acceptance, Scripture teaches that sexual sins are more serious than other sins, and “unnatural” sexual sins are especially serious.

So let's quit quoting foolish human teachings and start quoting God's Word.

(1) Scriptures to confirm these truths

Scripture commands us to judge:

✔ False teachers – Matthew 7:15-20

✔ Sinning believers – Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20; 1 Corinthians 5:12.

✔ Bad companions – 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:5-7. 

See How, Who, and What to Judge According to Scripture for a complete list of Scriptures about judging.

God judges sins differently according to:

1. Motive (Numbers 15:22-31; Luke 12:47-48).

2. Knowledge and opportunity (Luke 12:48; John 19:11).

3. Position and influence (James 3:1; Mark 12:38-40).

4. And according to the type of sin.

✔ Some OT laws required the death penalty, some didn't (e.g. Exodus 21:12; 22:1). Jesus defined some acts of obedience as more important than others (Matthew 23:23).

✔ Sins against anyone with childlike faith in Christ (Matthew 18:6-7). 

✔ Sexual sins are more serious than other sins (1 Corinthians 6:18). 

✔ Unnatural sexual sins show a greater disrespect for God, and they're more damaging to body, soul, and spirit (Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 1:7).

✔ One sin is unforgivable (Matthew 12:31; Mark 3:28-29).

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