The Fine Line Between Judgment and Discernment
When it comes to judging others, many of us are left wondering what the Bible really means. On one hand, we’re told not to judge, lest we be judged ourselves. On the other hand, we’re encouraged to beware of evildoers and false prophets. So, how do we navigate this complex issue?
A Personal Encounter
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet two successful businessmen with vastly different personalities. One exuded a calm and assuring spirit, while the other was rough around the edges. While I didn’t judge them, I did observe their conduct and demeanor. From these observations, I could discern the kind of people they were and the kind of life they led.
The Misconception of Judgment
Christians are often accused of judging when they speak out against sinful activities. However, this is not what the Bible means by “do not judge.” There is a righteous kind of judgment that we’re supposed to exercise with careful discernment. When Jesus told us not to judge, He was warning against hypocritical, self-righteous judgments of others.
The Importance of Confrontation
If a believer sees another believer sinning, it’s their Christian duty to lovingly and respectfully confront them with their sin. Similarly, when we see non-believers sinning, pointing out their sin is not judgmental, but rather a call to repentance and restoration to God’s Word.
Hating the Sin, Loving the Sinner
We’re called to proclaim what God’s Word says about sin, calling it what it is. We can hate the sin and love the sinner, always presenting the solution for sin and its consequences – the Lord Jesus Christ. While we shouldn’t judge another’s life, we can be fruit inspectors, recognizing that a person’s conduct is often a reflection of their heart.
A Wisdom to Live By
As my pastor so aptly puts it, “What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.” This wisdom reminds us that our actions have consequences, and it’s our responsibility to discern and confront sin in a loving and respectful manner.
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