WWJD By Dr. Richard Youngblood
Question: How can we make any kind of statements about
right and wrong without disobeying the command of Jesus to judge not?
While
there is a kind of judging that is inappropriate, some judging is necessarily
involved in distinguishing between good and evil. In
the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus did say, “Do not judge, or you too will
be judged” (Matthew 7:1-5). He also added: “Do not give dogs what
is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” (Matthew 7:6); and “Watch out for
false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are
ferocious wolves. By their fruit you
will recognize them. . . A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree
cannot bear good fruit” (Matthew
7:15-20). One cannot identify the
kind of people represented by the dogs, pigs, wolves and bad or good fruit
without passing judgment. We need to understand
when judging is appropriate and when it is inappropriate.
One
form of inappropriate judgment is judgment based on partial and/or inaccurate
information. We humans
have a tendency to jump to conclusions without taking the time and effort needed
to make sure our information is not based on gossip or the false judgment of
someone else. Also, there are some
things beyond the ability of any human being to know; therefore, we should
leave judgment of motives, inner thoughts and intentions of others to God who
alone sees what is in a person. Jesus
told his critics, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment”
(John 7:24).
Another form of inappropriate judging is passing
judgment on someone’s eternal destiny.
“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge,” wrote James, “the one who is
able to save and destroy. But you—who
are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12).
One of the apostles stated: “Therefore judge nothing before
the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is
hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5). To pass eternal judgment upon someone is to
presume upon God’s role. No human has
that authority.
However, judgment that simply states that certain
behaviors or actions are sinful is appropriate.
For example, God has clearly told
us: “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual
immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord,
jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;
drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who
live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21). Although we may
be accused of judging improperly when you point these things out, we must also
remember that “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will
save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).
Finally, even when a
judgment of sin is appropriate, it should always be tempered with mercy. Jesus said: “For God did not send the Son into
the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him” (John 3:17 NAS). Luke 6:37 says: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you
will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” When we must declare something a person does
as sin, we should also make it clear that our Lord and his people are eager to
forgive. Jesus would urge us to obey the
words of his brother, James: “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged
by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to
anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (James 2:12-13).
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