What is to judge?

[TheSage]

I have read a few verses about judging, and learnt that Christ says we should n0t judge each other. I wish to kn0w what it means to judge someone, how can I tell that now I am judging? Is trying to show a brother out of darkness judging him? Typical example lets say there is a brother who hangs around with the wr0ng crowd, if I went to him and told him that such a crowd is not g0od, would I be judging him or his company by doing that?

Please Help.. And thanks In advance.

 

[mystdancer50]

I feel that we misuse the word judge today. To judge is to pass sentence on. So, if someone tells someone, "Because you said a bad word, you're going to go to hell" or the ever popular "go to hell", that is judging. Looking at the fruit of one's life and talking with them about red flags, things of danger or distraction, is not judging. We must be careful, however, about bringing a spirit of condemnation into the relationship, so when one approaches a brother or sister to speak with them about something that Holy Spirit has revealed to them or something they have seen, it must be done in love. In other words, if you can't say nice things, encouraging and edifying things, along with the 'correction', then let God use someone else to speak to the person. Love first.

 

[LovelyU]

Personally I think it is some form of judging, but help a brother by showing him light without being judgemental, accepting him and his decisions doesn't mean you have to leave him be if you want to bring him out of the darkness all you can do is show him the light, telling him such a crowd is no good will only send him further away, bring him closer by guiding with love and acceptance and pray for him.

 

[dcontroversal]

I have read a few verses about judging, and learnt that Christ says we should n0t judge each other. I wish to kn0w what it means to judge someone, how can I tell that now I am judging? Is trying to show a brother out of darkness judging him? Typical example lets say there is a brother who hangs around with the wr0ng crowd, if I went to him and told him that such a crowd is not g0od, would I be judging him or his company by doing that?

Please Help.. And thanks In advance.

There is a fine line when it comes to judging and the problem with human judgment is that it is usually bias. The bible teaches that we are to judge all things by the word of God...NOTICE I SAID ALL THINGS NOT ALL PEOPLE! We are to judge the things we do and say every day by the word of God to see if our lives are in accordance with the will of the Lord. It is not wrong to see a drunk and judge rightly by the word of God that he is a drunk, however, who are we to judge another man's servant? Another problem is the rush to judge and judge harshly. We will all be measured by the stick that we use to measure those around us (Judging others that is) and I am pretty sure we all have a toothpick (splinter) or two that we should deal with before we ever lay charge to another person without scriptural backing and 2 or 3 eyewitnesses. Also, which ever one of us is without sin, let us be the first to cast a stone!

Lastly, the thing about a brother hanging around the wrong crowd. The ultra religious hypocritical Pharisees accused Jesus of hanging with the wrong crowd...I.E. Drunks, Whores, Thieving Tax Collectors(Publicans) and just plain ole sinners who were in need of the great physician. You can't win the lost if you hole up in the church building!

 

[mystdancer50]

Lastly, the thing about a brother hanging around the wrong crowd. The ultra religious hypocritical Pharisees accused Jesus of hanging with the wrong crowd...I.E. Drunks, Whores, Thieving Tax Collectors(Publicans) and just plain ole sinners who were in need of the great physician. You can't win the lost if you hole up in the church building!

This is true to an extent. We must be aware that the Bible warns us that bad habits corrupt good, so if you're spending all your time with unsaved drunks and whores and the like, well, they will corrupt you faster than you will bring the light to them. However, if you are spending the majority of your time with godly people, spending time in God's word and in prayer and worship and study, spending time in church AND spending some time with unsaved friends and family and, yes, strangers, you are more likely to be a light to their darkness rather than a new member to their club.

We must note that though Jesus did eat with these kinds of people, He specifically called 12 to Him, to walk with Him and be with Him. They were sinners, yes, but there was a difference. Why? Because they were following Him. So, let your closest friends be the ones that are following Christ, not the ones that are boozing and harlots, yes?

 

[reject-tech]

Several words with different meanings throughout scripture all got translated as "judge", way too much for me to backtrack and convey in a forum post.

One of the most tricky concepts of scripture.

Tricky enough to evoke one important rule about judgment and that is -

to be very careful with it, if you choose to do it at all.

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you."

But boy o boy how that one takes a beating.

 

[mystdancer50]

Several words with different meanings throughout scripture all got translated as "judge", way too much for me to backtrack and convey in a forum post.

One of the most tricky concepts of scripture.

Tricky enough to evoke one important rule about judgment and that is -

to be very careful with it, if you choose to do it at all.

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you."

But boy o boy how that one takes a beating.

Yes, this verse was spoken to the Pharisees, who condemned literally everything and everyone around them, yet refused to look upon their own hypocritical lifestyles and bring their own hearts to the forefront and judge their own ways and sinful things.

The way I view counseling/correcting a fellow Christian is simple:

1. Speak to them the way you would want to be spoken to by another
2. If you cannot edify/encourage/lift up/pray with or for said person, you are NOT the one to speak with them, to counsel them, regarding things seen or revealed
3. One must be very careful not to press their own impression upon a person and say that God told them to say something. If you cannot say with 100% surety that God did speak and wanted you to speak with the person, then do not claim it is Him.
4. Prayer is vital before, during and after any attempt at counseling another on some sinful practice. If you're not armed in prayer, then you shouldn't speak.

We must remember that Paul told the Corinthians that their unwillingness to confront the brother in immoral sin was not a godly virtue, but was actually sinful. The man had to be confronted and cast out. Then, he had to be lovingly welcomed back in, after his repentance of his ways. Yet, because many want to cling to watery grace and feel good preaching, the confrontation of sin, from the pulpit or from a brother or sister, is either not happening or is handled incorrectly and poorly.

Just my thoughts...

 

[notuptome]

We who are Spiritual are to judge righteous judgments. We do not judge as the world judges but we judge according to the word of God.

We do not judge as to the eternal state of a soul but we are salt and light so our life is in contrast to the worlds way of life.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[parablepete]

I feel that we misuse the word judge today. To judge is to pass sentence on. So, if someone tells someone, "Because you said a bad word, you're going to go to hell" or the ever popular "go to hell", that is judging. Looking at the fruit of one's life and talking with them about red flags, things of danger or distraction, is not judging. We must be careful, however, about bringing a spirit of condemnation into the relationship, so when one approaches a brother or sister to speak with them about something that Holy Spirit has revealed to them or something they have seen, it must be done in love. In other words, if you can't say nice things, encouraging and edifying things, along with the 'correction', then let God use someone else to speak to the person. Love first.

Judging is to pass sentense....just like this post says.


Now, to even make that statement we must make a judgement.


For me to say you and your buddy both are going to hell. Now that is a JUDGEMENT!

 

[dcontroversal]

This is true to an extent. We must be aware that the Bible warns us that bad habits corrupt good, so if you're spending all your time with unsaved drunks and whores and the like, well, they will corrupt you faster than you will bring the light to them. However, if you are spending the majority of your time with godly people, spending time in God's word and in prayer and worship and study, spending time in church AND spending some time with unsaved friends and family and, yes, strangers, you are more likely to be a light to their darkness rather than a new member to their club.

We must note that though Jesus did eat with these kinds of people, He specifically called 12 to Him, to walk with Him and be with Him. They were sinners, yes, but there was a difference. Why? Because they were following Him. So, let your closest friends be the ones that are following Christ, not the ones that are boozing and harlots, yes?

I agree with what your saying. I will also say that my God is more powerful than the influence of drunks, whores and druggies and have no fear of witnessing to them!

 

[4enlightment]

I have read a few verses about judging, and learnt that Christ says we should n0t judge each other. I wish to kn0w what it means to judge someone, how can I tell that now I am judging? Is trying to show a brother out of darkness judging him? Typical example lets say there is a brother who hangs around with the wr0ng crowd, if I went to him and told him that such a crowd is not g0od, would I be judging him or his company by doing that?

Please Help.. And thanks In advance.

Matthew 12:30
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Matthew 7:20
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

 

[crossnote]

It's ok to analyze and assess a situation or person's teaching but we are not to condemn or damn.

 

[ChosenbyHim]

I have read a few verses about judging, and learnt that Christ says we should n0t judge each other. I wish to kn0w what it means to judge someone, how can I tell that now I am judging? Is trying to show a brother out of darkness judging him? Typical example lets say there is a brother who hangs around with the wr0ng crowd, if I went to him and told him that such a crowd is not g0od, would I be judging him or his company by doing that?

Please Help.. And thanks In advance.

Hello there TheSage,

first of all, what the Lord Jesus Christ said was that we are not to judge hypocritically. You should always read the Scriptures in their context:


Matthew 7:1-5
Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

7 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.



Now having seen the context of Matthew 7:1, can you now see the teaching and point that the Lord was making? He was simply teaching that we should not judge hypocritically.


Furthermore, in John 7:24, the Lord said that we are not to judge according to the appearance, but that we are to judge righteous judgment.


In 1 Corinthians 2:15, Paul says the following about judging:


1 Corinthians 2:15
Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.



So it is alright to judge as long as we do it in accordance with the Holy Scriptures.


Also, in the example you gave, where you are showing a brother the way out of darkness. In that case, you have already made a judgment call. You judged the situation and from that you decided to help your brother by showing him how to get out of darkness.


Same thing with the other scenario which you gave, regarding seeing your brother hang out with the bad crowd. For you to have made the decision to tell your brother the truth, that he is hanging with a crowd of people that are not good, means that; again, you already made a judgment about what he is doing and the crowd who he is associating with.


Just remember to keep in mind that as a Christian, judging sin and error is fine as long as you are judging in accordance with the Holy Scriptures. Meaning that you are not judging hypocritically and also that you are judging righteous judgment.

 

[SpiritofFire]

To judge to base and enact upon a decision for the sole purpose of correction. If it is not used however in its proper meaning it brings about punishment. Judge not lest ye be judged. Now if I see myself saved and sanctified destined for heaven, no matter how many times I may slip up (Christians say we're all sinners right), and see another and believe and speak as though he is doomed and destined to the lake (he slips up just like Christians but he's not a Christian).

This is an improper use of judgement, as I have passed a sentence of death knowing that by the same law I am guilty as well. If I teach not to steal, do I steal? To understand the law is to know that if you are guilty on any one point in it, IS TO BE GUILTY OF ALL THE LAW. So by nature we should understand by now that we are no better than the worst man your minds can think of. How can I be if I die too?

We are to then be of the same mind and judgement. How so? By only judging this, that if one man died for all, then all were dead.

 

[RedTent]

I think scripture makes it quite clear. We are told we must judge what is sin and what isn't sin, and be clear about it. We are told we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and it is up to Christ to judge, not us to judge each other.

So if we say to our brother "you fool, you are sinful" we are judging in error. It is God's job not ours. Of we say brother, what you did is a sinful act, we are judging the act not the brother.

 

[SpiritofFire]

I think scripture makes it quite clear. We are told we must judge what is sin and what isn't sin, and be clear about it. We are told we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and it is up to Christ to judge, not us to judge each other.

So if we say to our brother "you fool, you are sinful" we are judging in error. It is God's job not ours. Of we say brother, what you did is a sinful act, we are judging the act not the brother.

Other than using fool what is the difference in the two? If you have judged me in a sinful act then you have called me a sinner. A sinners wage is death.

 

[Least]

Wanted to share some bible passages on the subject.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

(We reap what we sow)

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

 

[RedTent]

Other than using fool what is the difference in the two? If you have judged me in a sinful act then you have called me a sinner. A sinners wage is death.

A sinner's wage isn't death for those under Christ, for with repentance Christ saves.

 

[SpiritofFire]

A sinner's wage isn't death for those under Christ, for with repentance Christ saves.

Then why will you die?

 

[lydever91]

I have read a few verses about judging, and learnt that Christ says we should n0t judge each other. I wish to kn0w what it means to judge someone, how can I tell that now I am judging? Is trying to show a brother out of darkness judging him? Typical example lets say there is a brother who hangs around with the wr0ng crowd, if I went to him and told him that such a crowd is not g0od, would I be judging him or his company by doing that?

Please Help.. And thanks In advance.

We are told in Matthew 7:1 we should judge, but righteously so.

Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

We are constantly judging people. How do you know if someone is a bad influence if you don't judge what they do? Would you want to have a murderer over for dinner with your family? If one (a murderer) were to ask to come over, you can't say no to him/her if you can't judge. We all need to judge for our protection against the evil one.

BUT, we cannot judge someone for sinning if we are ourselves sinning.
An addict (sex,drug,etc.) cannot tell someone he/she needs Christ if that person (the addict) is knowingly sinning. It's condescending. Hypocrisy.


Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.