Yesterday I published “What Does Your Love Look Like”. The object of that post was that we as Christians are to be an example to the world of God's love for mankind. That example includes those times when we should exhibit the kind of love that points out those things that are outside the will of God for mankind. That means that there are times when we are called to judge actions. We are to never judge a person, only God can do that, but we are to judge actions. We are to judge actions so that we can lead people to restoration with God and each other. We are to judge but not be judgmental.
The following is from “What Is The Nonbeliever’s Favorite Scripture?”
Do you know the favorite scripture of nonbelievers?
Matthew 7:1 (NKJV)1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.
The nonbeliver and some believers quote this verse after we say something like, “I don't think what you’re doing is right” or ,”You shouldn't be doing that?”
The Greek word translated “judge” in this passage is “krinō”: which means “properly to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish :- avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.” - Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
A better translation of Matthew 7:1 would be: "Do not condemn others, and you will not be condemned."
Translating “judge” to condemn here makes perfect sense when taken in context. Believers must stop short of final condemnation, because we can’t judge motives. Only God can do that.
James 4:11-12 (NKJV)11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
This verse is not telling us that we should not make judgments, because in other passages we read that as believers, we are indeed to make evaluations, to be discerning, and yes— to even make judgments.
Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
1 Corinthians 5:3-5, 12-13 (NKJV)3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person."
The Bible says this about believers;
I Corinthians 6:2 NKJV Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
I Peter 4:17 NKJV For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Believers are not in position to condemn a person. But are in a position to make judgments about things, situations, viewpoints, and even about people to some degree.
Jesus warns us not to assume God's prerogative to condemn the guilty; he is not warning us not to discern truth from error. Jesus does not oppose offering correction, but only offering correction in the wrong spirit.
Matthew 7:3-5 (NKJV)3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Matthew 18:15-18 (NKJV)15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Galatians 6:1-5 (NKJV)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.2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.5 For each one shall bear his own load.
"Don't judge!" is said by people who don't like it when we dare to have a Christian worldview. In fact, I have found that the most narrow-minded people are those who claim to be the most broad-minded. Those who claim to be the most accepting are often the least accepting. Because when a Christian has an opinion, a nonbeliever will say, "How dare you say that! Who are you to judge?"
There is a living God, and He has revealed himself in the pages of Scripture. Therefore, as believers, we accept the fact that we have absolute truth from God. And we develop our worldview from what the Bible teaches.
The following is from “What Is The Nonbeliever’s Favorite Scripture?”
Do you know the favorite scripture of nonbelievers?
Matthew 7:1 (NKJV)1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.
The nonbeliver and some believers quote this verse after we say something like, “I don't think what you’re doing is right” or ,”You shouldn't be doing that?”
The Greek word translated “judge” in this passage is “krinō”: which means “properly to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish :- avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.” - Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
A better translation of Matthew 7:1 would be: "Do not condemn others, and you will not be condemned."
Translating “judge” to condemn here makes perfect sense when taken in context. Believers must stop short of final condemnation, because we can’t judge motives. Only God can do that.
James 4:11-12 (NKJV)11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
This verse is not telling us that we should not make judgments, because in other passages we read that as believers, we are indeed to make evaluations, to be discerning, and yes— to even make judgments.
Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
1 Corinthians 5:3-5, 12-13 (NKJV)3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person."
The Bible says this about believers;
I Corinthians 6:2 NKJV Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
I Peter 4:17 NKJV For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Believers are not in position to condemn a person. But are in a position to make judgments about things, situations, viewpoints, and even about people to some degree.
Jesus warns us not to assume God's prerogative to condemn the guilty; he is not warning us not to discern truth from error. Jesus does not oppose offering correction, but only offering correction in the wrong spirit.
Matthew 7:3-5 (NKJV)3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Matthew 18:15-18 (NKJV)15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Galatians 6:1-5 (NKJV)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.2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.5 For each one shall bear his own load.
"Don't judge!" is said by people who don't like it when we dare to have a Christian worldview. In fact, I have found that the most narrow-minded people are those who claim to be the most broad-minded. Those who claim to be the most accepting are often the least accepting. Because when a Christian has an opinion, a nonbeliever will say, "How dare you say that! Who are you to judge?"
There is a living God, and He has revealed himself in the pages of Scripture. Therefore, as believers, we accept the fact that we have absolute truth from God. And we develop our worldview from what the Bible teaches.
8 Ways to Not Live as a 'Judgmental' Christian
Dr. Roger Barrier
Editor’s Note: Full scriptures added by me
We have to make ‘judgment calls.’
For example, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently”
Galatians 6:1 (NKJV)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.
We find here two judgment calls we must make. First, we have to choose which Christians are spiritually qualified to confront those in sin. Second, we must choose whether or not this person’s behavior is a sin.
making accurate judgment calls is difficult. So many things get in the way. If we choose to enter into the judging arena, here are eight truths about how Christians can do it right:
1. Jesus warns us not to live with a judgmental heart.
However, when we must make a ‘judgment call,’ our work is not finished until we help with restoration.
Understanding Jesus’ teaching of, “Don’t Judge,” needs all the verses from Matthew 7:1-12.
Matthew 7:1-12 (NKJV)1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Let me summarize Jesus’ teaching. Then we can more clearly understand and apply his teachings on judging.
- Don’t judge.
- Take beam out of your own eye—then you will be able to take twig out of your brother’s eye.
- Discriminate carefully who you can or can’t approach.
- Don’t cast pearls before pigs.
- Insight and compassion are essential.
- Ask, seek, and knock and the Father will give you what you need to help those stuck in the mud get cleaned up and on their way again.
- Follow the ‘Golden Rule’ to treat people as you would have them treat you.
2. Christians are primarily in the loving and need-meeting business—not the judging.
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 (NKJV)1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
This critical spirit reminds me of the conscientious wife who could never please her ultra-critical husband. At breakfast, if the eggs were scrambled, he wanted them poached. If they were poached, he wanted them scrambled. One morning, the wife had a stroke of genius. She poached one egg and scrambled the other. He peered at the plated and snorted, “You scrambled the wrong one.”
A number of church surveys, including those by Barna.com, asked non-Christians why they didn’t go to church. The comments were alarming:
For example, they said things like: “Christians are those who are against this and that. They’re always protesting something.”
78% of those surveyed said that evangelical Christians are “the most judgmental people in America.”
Many lost people today are staying away from church in droves. Why? They feel more condemnation than compassion.
The early Christians were known as the people who loved God and loved each other. Somewhere through the years we lost that reputation.
Jesus is warning us of the sin of seeking out the worst instead of the best in others. I know some people who are always looking to find the worst in others.
3. The job of the Holy Spirit is to judge and convict.
The job of a Christian is to love and meet needs.The Holy Spirit’s job is to judge and convict.
Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.
John 16:7-8 (NKJV)7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
The Christian’s job is to love and meet needs.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins
1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV)8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."
We often get these two mixed up.
The time has come to stop playing someone else’s Holy Spirit.
Dr. Roger Barrier
Editor’s Note: Full scriptures added by me
We have to make ‘judgment calls.’
For example, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently”
Galatians 6:1 (NKJV)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.
We find here two judgment calls we must make. First, we have to choose which Christians are spiritually qualified to confront those in sin. Second, we must choose whether or not this person’s behavior is a sin.
making accurate judgment calls is difficult. So many things get in the way. If we choose to enter into the judging arena, here are eight truths about how Christians can do it right:
1. Jesus warns us not to live with a judgmental heart.
However, when we must make a ‘judgment call,’ our work is not finished until we help with restoration.
Understanding Jesus’ teaching of, “Don’t Judge,” needs all the verses from Matthew 7:1-12.
Matthew 7:1-12 (NKJV)1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Let me summarize Jesus’ teaching. Then we can more clearly understand and apply his teachings on judging.
- Don’t judge.
- Take beam out of your own eye—then you will be able to take twig out of your brother’s eye.
- Discriminate carefully who you can or can’t approach.
- Don’t cast pearls before pigs.
- Insight and compassion are essential.
- Ask, seek, and knock and the Father will give you what you need to help those stuck in the mud get cleaned up and on their way again.
- Follow the ‘Golden Rule’ to treat people as you would have them treat you.
2. Christians are primarily in the loving and need-meeting business—not the judging.
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 (NKJV)1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
This critical spirit reminds me of the conscientious wife who could never please her ultra-critical husband. At breakfast, if the eggs were scrambled, he wanted them poached. If they were poached, he wanted them scrambled. One morning, the wife had a stroke of genius. She poached one egg and scrambled the other. He peered at the plated and snorted, “You scrambled the wrong one.”
A number of church surveys, including those by Barna.com, asked non-Christians why they didn’t go to church. The comments were alarming:
For example, they said things like: “Christians are those who are against this and that. They’re always protesting something.”
78% of those surveyed said that evangelical Christians are “the most judgmental people in America.”
Many lost people today are staying away from church in droves. Why? They feel more condemnation than compassion.
The early Christians were known as the people who loved God and loved each other. Somewhere through the years we lost that reputation.
Jesus is warning us of the sin of seeking out the worst instead of the best in others. I know some people who are always looking to find the worst in others.
3. The job of the Holy Spirit is to judge and convict.
The job of a Christian is to love and meet needs.The Holy Spirit’s job is to judge and convict.
Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.
John 16:7-8 (NKJV)7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
The Christian’s job is to love and meet needs.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins
1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV)8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."
We often get these two mixed up.
The time has come to stop playing someone else’s Holy Spirit.
4. If we choose to enter the judging arena, we must first clean up our own lives.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:3-5 (NKJV)3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Christ is saying that in our condition we are quite incapable of condemning or judging anyone.
We each need to fix our own eye before working on our brother’s eye.
I remember the story of a woman who spent most of her life judging people as worthy for heaven or hell. When she died and went to heaven she was shocked to discover that no one expected her!
Judging work is for the spiritually mature.
5. We approach people as “brothers and sisters” who need to be restored—not as targets who need to be condemned.
This involves time and sacrifice on our part.
Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV)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.2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Who is our brother/sister? Someone with whom there is a relationship, and to whom there is a measure of accountability. The purpose is always remedial, to correct and restore.
All of this flows out of a context of relationships.
Can you imagine that shouting at people you have no relationship with might not do much good?
Once upon a time I marched in a pro-life demonstration. We circled the abortion clinic calling the women who entered things like, “murderer” and “baby killer.” Some women turned away. Others hung their head in shame and still entered the office.
Then, I bowed my head in shame. Paul said, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV)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.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
I stepped out of line and decided that my energy needed to be more with the Crisis Pregnancy Center whose goals are to support, love, and care. Love stands by and gives solutions. Yes, the babies must be saved, but the mothers need redemption and salvation too.
Am I willing to walk with them through the process of redemption?
The ultimate goal of any discipline or criticism is to leave the person with the feeling that he has been helped, not condemned.
6. We discern receptivity.
Not everyone is approachable.
Matthew 7:6 (NKJV)6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
This verse is easy to understand if you know that Jesus used a literary form called a chiasm
The first phrase rhymes with the fourth phrase and the second phrase rhymes with the third phrase.
I’ll write it out for you: “Do not give dogs what is sacred. If you do, they may turn and tear you to pieces. Do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet.”
Will the person you’re approaching be receptive or not? Will they perhaps mock and make fun?
Jesus may have been thinking of Proverbs 9:7-8 when he said “Don’t judge.” Rebuke a wise man and he will love you. However the opposite is also true.
Proverbs 9:7-8 (NKJV)7 "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
7. Eventually we will seek God’s wisdom on how best to minister to brothers and sisters who have slipped off the track.
Matthew 7:7-11 (NKJV)7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
We usually look at these verses in such a selfish, personal perspective. Look again. They are in the context of getting good gifts so we can help meet the needs of others.
God is showing us the heart of a Father for His kids.
This is the heart we are to have in helping people who have messed up their lives. If all you are going to do is criticize then keep your mouth shut. If you are going to intercede and bear their burdens then figure out how to meet their needs and go help restore them.
The right heart motivates us to intercede for these people.
Could you imagine that taking the time to minister to real, deep-seated needs—instead of instantly wanting to judge people’s faults—might be what God calls compassion?
8. We treat people as we would like to be treated.
Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Who likes to be yelled at? When you have messed up your life, who do you want to help you? Someone who criticizes you and tells you all the things you did wrong and leaves you feeling condemned and destroyed?
Or, do you want someone who comes alongside of you and puts their arm around you and helps you out of the mud?
I think we know the answer to that.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:3-5 (NKJV)3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Christ is saying that in our condition we are quite incapable of condemning or judging anyone.
We each need to fix our own eye before working on our brother’s eye.
I remember the story of a woman who spent most of her life judging people as worthy for heaven or hell. When she died and went to heaven she was shocked to discover that no one expected her!
Judging work is for the spiritually mature.
5. We approach people as “brothers and sisters” who need to be restored—not as targets who need to be condemned.
This involves time and sacrifice on our part.
Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV)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.2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Who is our brother/sister? Someone with whom there is a relationship, and to whom there is a measure of accountability. The purpose is always remedial, to correct and restore.
All of this flows out of a context of relationships.
Can you imagine that shouting at people you have no relationship with might not do much good?
Once upon a time I marched in a pro-life demonstration. We circled the abortion clinic calling the women who entered things like, “murderer” and “baby killer.” Some women turned away. Others hung their head in shame and still entered the office.
Then, I bowed my head in shame. Paul said, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV)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.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
I stepped out of line and decided that my energy needed to be more with the Crisis Pregnancy Center whose goals are to support, love, and care. Love stands by and gives solutions. Yes, the babies must be saved, but the mothers need redemption and salvation too.
Am I willing to walk with them through the process of redemption?
The ultimate goal of any discipline or criticism is to leave the person with the feeling that he has been helped, not condemned.
6. We discern receptivity.
Not everyone is approachable.
Matthew 7:6 (NKJV)6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
This verse is easy to understand if you know that Jesus used a literary form called a chiasm
The first phrase rhymes with the fourth phrase and the second phrase rhymes with the third phrase.
I’ll write it out for you: “Do not give dogs what is sacred. If you do, they may turn and tear you to pieces. Do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet.”
Will the person you’re approaching be receptive or not? Will they perhaps mock and make fun?
Jesus may have been thinking of Proverbs 9:7-8 when he said “Don’t judge.” Rebuke a wise man and he will love you. However the opposite is also true.
Proverbs 9:7-8 (NKJV)7 "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
7. Eventually we will seek God’s wisdom on how best to minister to brothers and sisters who have slipped off the track.
Matthew 7:7-11 (NKJV)7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
We usually look at these verses in such a selfish, personal perspective. Look again. They are in the context of getting good gifts so we can help meet the needs of others.
God is showing us the heart of a Father for His kids.
This is the heart we are to have in helping people who have messed up their lives. If all you are going to do is criticize then keep your mouth shut. If you are going to intercede and bear their burdens then figure out how to meet their needs and go help restore them.
The right heart motivates us to intercede for these people.
Could you imagine that taking the time to minister to real, deep-seated needs—instead of instantly wanting to judge people’s faults—might be what God calls compassion?
8. We treat people as we would like to be treated.
Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Who likes to be yelled at? When you have messed up your life, who do you want to help you? Someone who criticizes you and tells you all the things you did wrong and leaves you feeling condemned and destroyed?
Or, do you want someone who comes alongside of you and puts their arm around you and helps you out of the mud?
I think we know the answer to that.
RSS Feed