Phil Rowlands

Hello, my friends!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt the need to make a judgment about someone or something, but were hesitant because you didn't want to be seen as judgmental? It's a common dilemma that many of us face as Christians. We're often taught that judging others is wrong, yet we're also called to discern truth from error and to help our brothers and sisters grow in faith. So how do we navigate this tricky terrain?

Today, I want to look into this important topic and explore how we can judge righteously without falling into the trap of being judgmental. It's a delicate balance, but with God's wisdom and guidance, we can learn to discern and help others while maintaining a spirit of love and humility.

Let's start by acknowledging that judgment, in itself, is not inherently wrong. In fact, the Bible calls us to exercise judgment in various situations. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:15,20, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” This passage clearly indicates that we are to make judgments about false teachers based on the fruit of their lives and teachings.

The Apostle Paul also emphasised the importance of judgment within the church. In 1 Corinthians 5, he rebuked the Corinthian church for not dealing with a case of sexual immorality in their midst. He wrote, “Do you not judge those who are inside [the church]? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore 'put away from yourselves the evil person.'” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

So, if we're called to judge in certain situations, what was Jesus referring to when He said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1)? The key lies in understanding the difference between righteous judgment and a judgmental spirit.

Friends, the heart of the matter is not whether we judge, but how we judge. A judgmental spirit comes from a place of pride, self-righteousness, and a desire to condemn. Righteous judgment, on the other hand, comes from a place of love, humility, and a desire to restore and build up.

To help us navigate this, we need to consider several important aspects when we find ourselves in a situation where judgment might be necessary. First and foremost, we must ask ourselves: Is it our business? This might sound simple, but it's crucial. We often get caught up in matters that aren't our responsibility. Remember when Jesus was asked to arbitrate an inheritance dispute? He replied, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” (Luke 12:14) Jesus knew His role and didn't overstep His boundaries.

We need to focus on the areas where we have legitimate responsibility and authority. If you're a pastor or elder in a church, it's your duty to address issues within your congregation. But it's best not to judge the affairs of another church or criticise ministries outside your sphere of influence, well, unless their wrongdoing or false doctrine is influencing the people under your care or in your community of believers. But his must be done in a way where you are just pointing people to what is true without looking down on others that don’t see things the same way as you. This principle can save us from a lot of unnecessary conflict and help us maintain unity within the body of Christ.

Next, we should consider whether our judgment ministers life or death. When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they not only experienced death themselves but also began to impart death to others through judgment. Our judgments should always aim to bring life, not death.

Paul writes in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Our goal should be restoration, not condemnation. We're called to build up, not tear down; to cleanse, not crush. This mindset shifts our focus from punishment to redemption, from exclusion to inclusion.

Friends, let's remember that our judgments should be redemptive, not punitive. When we approach others with a desire to see them restored and growing in Christ, we're ministering life, not death. This approach reflects the heart of our Saviour, who came not to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17).

Another crucial aspect to consider is whether our judgment is characterised by humility and tenderness. Jesus used a powerful illustration when He talked about removing a speck from our brother's eye while ignoring the plank in our own. The eye is an incredibly sensitive organ, and attempting to remove something from it requires great care and tenderness.

In the same way, when we approach others to address issues in their lives, we need to do so with extreme gentleness and humility. We must always be aware of our own shortcomings and the grace we've received. As the saying goes, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” This humility keeps us from self-righteousness and helps us approach others with compassion and understanding.

Lastly, we need to consider whether our input is welcome and whether we're open to receiving input ourselves. Jesus set the example when He washed His disciples' feet and then said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet” (John 13:14). This principle of mutual ministry is crucial. We shouldn't be speaking into people's lives if we're not willing to have them speak into ours. It's about building relationships of trust and accountability where we can grow together in Christ.

The concept of reciprocal ministry is beautifully illustrated in the Greek word “allelon,” which is often translated as “one another” in the New Testament. This word appears 58 times and implies a mutual action where both parties participate. When we engage in judgment or correction within the body of Christ, it should always be in the context of these reciprocal relationships.

Let's look at a practical example to illustrate these principles. Imagine you're in a small group, and you notice that one of the members has been consistently dishonest in their interactions with others. How would you approach this situation?

First, you'd need to consider if it's your business. As a fellow member of the small group, you do have a responsibility to care for and support one another. So yes, this falls within your sphere of concern. However, if this were happening in another church or group you're not part of, it wouldn't be your place to intervene.

Next, you'd want to ensure your approach will minister life, not death. Your goal should be to help this person recognise their sin and find freedom in Christ, not to shame or ostracise them. This might involve praying for wisdom on how to approach the situation and considering how you can speak truth in a way that encourages growth and restoration.

You'd also need to check your attitude: Are you approaching this with humility and tenderness? Remember your own struggles with sin and the grace you've received. This will help you approach your brother or sister with compassion rather than condemnation. It's not about pointing fingers, but about offering a helping hand.

Finally, consider if your input is invited and reciprocal. Have you built a relationship of trust with this person where mutual correction is welcome? If not, it might be best to pray and wait for the right opportunity to arise. Perhaps you need to invest more time in building that relationship before addressing the issue.

If you can answer these questions positively, you might then approach the person privately, expressing your concern with love and offering support and prayer. This is how we can judge righteously without being judgmental.

Remember, friends, that our ultimate goal is to help one another grow in Christ. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:15, we are to speak “the truth in love,” with the aim of growing up “in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.”

It's also important to note that there are times when public rebuke is necessary, especially when dealing with false teaching or persistent, unrepentant sin. Paul himself set an example of this. In 2 Timothy 2:17 and 4:14, he named specific individuals who were causing harm to the faith of others. However, such public confrontation should be a last resort, used only when private attempts at correction have failed and when the welfare of the entire community is at stake.

In all of this, we must remember that we are not the ultimate judge. God alone has perfect knowledge and understanding. Our role is to humbly and lovingly apply the judgments He has already made as revealed in His Word. We're not creating new standards or imposing our personal preferences, but seeking to align ourselves and others with God's truth.

Let's be a church that values truth and holiness, but also overflows with grace and love. Let's be quick to extend the same mercy to others that we've received from Christ. And let's always remember that our judgments should reflect the heart of our loving Saviour, who came not to condemn the world, but to save it.

As we navigate the complexities of Christian community, let's hold fast to the words of James: “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). This doesn't mean we ignore sin or compromise on truth, but rather that we approach every situation with a heart full of God's mercy and grace.

In practical terms, this might mean taking time to pray before addressing an issue, seeking counsel from mature believers, and always being ready to forgive and reconcile. It means being patient with those who are struggling, remembering that growth and change often take time. And it means being willing to examine our own hearts and motives before attempting to correct others.

Be blessed today, my brothers and sisters. May we grow in wisdom and discernment, always seeking to build up the body of Christ in love. Let's commit to judging righteously, with hearts full of humility, compassion, and grace. As we do so, we'll see God's kingdom advance and His love transform lives around us. May our communities be known not for their harsh judgment, but for their Christ-like love and their commitment to truth and grace in equal measure.

Phil