Quote:
Originally Posted by sweet_eyes
I think only God can judge a persons heart. I don't think all situations are the same
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Nobody here said they were judging the heart, sweeteyes. We are called to make
discernment. Discernment involves the consideration and judgment of
lifestyles,
actions, and
words, not the heart. God judges the heart, which no man can see. We judge the things we can see.
The apostle Paul declared that this discernment must be executed in the church, among fellow Christians:
(1 Corinthians 5:12) For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside [the church]? Do you not judge those who are inside?
Jesus also affirmed our duty to make discernment and judgment. We don't judge the heart, but we do the fruit. People are trees and their lifestyles, actions, words are fruits. We don't have to know the tree or the heart. All we need are the fruits. Jesus said trees are known by their fruits. You know a tree is an apple tree if you see apples. Likewise, you will know them by their fruits:
(Matthew 7:17-20) Jesus said, "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them."
Any so called "Christian's" refusal to weigh the matters and practice discernment like so reveals a great problem with their faith and standing. We are commanded to do this in the church; it is what causes people to be accountable to each other, and prevents the introduction of various sinful practices and false doctrines.
(2 Timothy 4:2) Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.