Don’t Judge?

At times, it is easy to be critical, harder to be gracious. This conflict is compounded by two passages in the NT that seem to contradict one another. The first is something Jesus said:

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1–2)

The other one says: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” (Galatians 6:1) 

But how can I do that without discerning that the other person is doing something sinful? After thinking about this, I have to conclude that seeing sin in other people is unavoidable. This isn’t about seeing it, but about what to do about it. And what to do about it has parameters that are usually found in the context of various commands. For instance, the words of Jesus add this:

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:3–5)

Often God shows me my sin by allowing me to see it in someone else. In that case, instead of judging the other person, I’m supposed first deal with my own sin. I cannot help anyone be free of a problem if I have never been free of it myself.

The next passage gives instruction along the same lines: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:1–5) 

This time, it is a call to help the person who is entrapped as long as I am not, and aid that person to be set free. It is not only helping them but without as selfish motive.

There are other ways to deal with the sin of others. God asks me to pray for other believers that they are able to say yes to God and no to sin. Prayer is burden-bearing in a quiet form.

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death… All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. (1 John 5:16–17)

God could ask me to warn those who are being tempted as many verses warn about not to give in to temptation: 

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12–13)

Even noticing sin is from God, but it can happen to those who feel inferior and try to boost their self-esteem by putting down others. Yet Christ died for all because all have sinned, none are worthy, and His grace puts us on a level field. 

Not only that, God is patient. He saw sin in the days of Noah, and Lot, and in Job’s story, and in the days of the kings and the prophets. Yet He did not pour out judgment at first glance. Charnock notes: “He brings lighter smarts sooner, that men might not think him asleep, but he suspends the more terrible judgments that men might be led to repentance.” God holds back His rod, waiting for His people to repent and return to Him. I have no right to be impatient with sin or with God’s way of dealing with it.

One more thought. What I consider sin might not be. The NT says not to pass judgment on others if it will cause them to stumble. He is the Savior; I am not. I need to serve Him and love His people, not get in a huff over such matters. “Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. . . .” (Romans 14:13–23)

PRAY: Jesus, I am raised up and seated with You in heavenly places, that You will show the riches of Your grace in kindness toward me and toward all Your people. Our destiny is not about judgment and wrath, but about kindness and grace, and about being like You. Seeing sin in others is not about making myself a judge but about obedience and patience toward all who struggle with sin.

Judging — in front of a mirror. . . .

 

Christians have a saying about judging others. It goes something like this: Don’t point fingers at others without remembering that three other fingers are pointing back at you. It comes from this passage:

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:1–4)

I’ve said it. I’ve thought it. I’ve sometimes noticed it is true — for others, but not often for myself. Our small group study is going to look at Romans 2 tonight and in preparing for it, I note the first four questions asked are about the above passage. God is telling me to give this much more consideration than usual.

For instance, think about the people or actions those people do that annoy me. God suggests that I do the same things? Actually, that makes sense. How would I even be aware of these annoying things if I didn’t recognize them when I look in the mirror? And if I made a list, would it take up far many pages than I’d like to admit? Another thought: if I’m seeing my sin in others, this could be part of the reason Jesus isn’t focusing on my sin (that’s the Holy Spirit’s job) because He is not guilty of the same sin!

In the past year, I have met some Christians who talk (and laugh) more about their mistakes than their accomplishments. They hardly speak of successes and when they do, credit is never taken. Instead, they thank others and God for whatever worked out goodness in their own lives often the mistakes. These people are wonderful to be around. No judging in their conversations. If they have any bad habits, I don’t see them which is a relief because if I did, this passage from Romans says I only see it because I do the same things. It is good to associate with those who are humble.

This reminds me of yesterday’s post about a person who has lied to herself. I’ve wondered if this is a constant issue, or is God telling me that I’m frustrated because I am also slow or reluctant to admit my own mistakes? I know when I err in minor chores or in sewing a quilt, I often say, “Oh, you dummy” and yet that is about as far as it goes. My new friends would say that about their mistakes and then laugh. They have learned from God what Paul learned after he asked God to remove a problem . . . .  

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9–10)

I tend to keep wanting the problem removed instead of glorying in the weakness it displays. I might even point my finger at someone with a stronger problem so mine doesn’t get noticed. This is why God says not to assume that I will escape God's correction (a form of judgment) for in His rich kindness and forbearance and patience He intends to lead me to repentance. He wants all my finger pointing done in front of a mirror. 

PRAY: Father, I feel the sting of being so proud of me without realizing how that produces behaviors that are nothing to be proud about. I can make excuses, even call myself a dummy, but that kind of talk is not the same as repentance. You now remind me that my own father  disciplined me for a short time, but always for my good, and You do the same that I may share Your holiness. Yes, for now it seems painful rather than pleasant, but You promise that this means later it will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness when I have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:10–11) For this I am thankful.

Rebuking or Judging — What’s the difference?

 

In the NT when the disciples shared the Gospel message, they experienced varying reactions.  For instance, like Jesus, some were killed. Others experienced threats and ridicule. However…

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

Telling others the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is the most important thing all people need to know, but those who hear it may not think so. It means they must admit their sin and yield to the Lord. Pride hates doing that.

Resisting this message often translates into resisting the messenger. In this year alone, several thousand believers have died because of their faith in Christ. 

Not only that, I’ve noticed in my own life that the perception of what I am doing is not always in line with my reasons for doing it. The Bible says two things that seem contradictory without careful study. For some, it is more like “pick what suits you” than knowing what fits where. The two activities are judging and rebuking.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1–2)
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. (Galatians 6:1–5)

Sometimes I judge people caught in sin because I want to look better in comparison. That is sin. In my heart, I know it. I’m not caring about the spiritual needs of that person, only my own reputation.

On the other hand, if someone is constantly falling into the same temptation, my heart goes out and I want to help them. I have to make sure I’m not guilty of the same thing or of any personal gain or glory. This desire to pick up another who stumbles is motivated by the love of Christ. It is a sacrificial love that cares because I know the harm done by any sin, theirs or mine. This may call for a private conversation, a gentle rebuke, or something stronger, but it is for their good and God’s glory, not about me at all.

Another issue is knowing if the person who sins should know better, or does know better. This makes a difference in how to talk to them. This could be compared to a small child who has never touched a hot stove, or has but wants to try again. Speak gently or yell, that is the question, but the motive remains — I don’t want that child to be injured.

Another issue is the attitude of that person who sins. Are they aware and brag about it? Or are they oblivious to cause and effect? Some have trouble connecting dots and need help. Some have trouble with self-sufficiency and boasting, maybe to hide a feeling of not having any value or being loved. Holy Spirit discernment is needed.

But Holy Spirit messages to me are not always heard by other people. I remember a pastor who made a decision and did not give his reasons to his congregation. I met with him and asked why this decision. He pounded his desk and said, “Because God told me to.” Since many Christians are suspicious of that reason, or do not listen for God’s voice at all, he knew his reason would not be accepted. He barely understood the why of it himself!

PRAY: Regarding judgment, we are called to love one another. I can rebuke to restore, which You do for me, but I cannot judge with a view to condemn. You died for sin and You alone are able to judge rightly. When I am annoyed or impatient with others, reveal it quickly that I might repent and instead love them, pray for them, and if I do or say anything, may it be as You would do or say it. Let me hear You clearly and not be concerned about any opinions that run contrary to what You say to me. Instead, give me confidence in Your instructions, and if none come, grant me the ability to keep quiet and wait on You, rather than take matters into my own hands.

I ride in the same boat . . .

 

 

READ Numbers 10–12

We took a week to celebrate our anniversary. It has been a happy week — until I ate a dessert when I was already stuffed with that special meal and realized this is the basic form of gluttony, one of the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ and the sin we normally associate with that word. The worst was how I’ve been concerned about a person who is a hoarder . . . another expression of gluttony. Finding out that I am no better takes a hit on my pride.

Today’s reading hits the same topic. The Israelites had been delivered from bondage in Egypt, a picture of deliverance from sin. They were on their way to the land God promised them but began to complain, first about their lot in life and then about the food God provided . . .

And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down. (Numbers 11:1–2)

Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” (Numbers 11:4–6)

Moses took their complaints to the Lord with a compliant of his own. He said, “I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.” (Numbers 11:10–15)

Here I am complaining to the Lord about another Christian stuck and stunted in his growth because he cannot stop craving for reasons unknown and saves stuff that he does not need nor does anyone else need, filling his house with it and making excuses for it . . . and I often eat what I don’t need and have even complained to God about the burden of this other person because he seems to be hindering answers to prayer, prayer for some of the same things I pray for.

In that wilderness situation, God did two things. First He gave Moses some support by telling him:

Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone. (Numbers 11:16–17)

Then God dealt with those who were complaining about their food not being what they wanted:

You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the Lord who is among you and have wept before him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?” (Numbers 11:19–20)

However, this desire to have their own way seemed contagious. Moses’ brother and sister began to attack Moses and had to learn the hard way not to complain about his leadership:

And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed. (Numbers 12:5–9)

Miriam broke out with leprosy and Moses cried to the Lord to heal her, but He said she must be shamed for seven days outside the camp before being restored. (Numbers 12:13–14)

What is God saying to me? Be careful of judgmental criticism. While discernment is needed to know what is needed, God informs me so I will pray, not so I will look down my nose. I am a sinner also, and need to deal with my own cravings and complaining, my own gluttony that over-indulges. Not only that, I cannot bear any burdens without help because I am just as prone to sin as the people whose sin bothers me. That said, I’m thankful for Isaiah 12:2: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” He is amazingly patient with me!