Judgmental

The previous blog speaks of evidence of one’s Christianity. Perhaps it is intrusive – why should we be interested in whether or not a person is (or is not) a Christian? Isn’t it being judgmental to ask about a person’s religious beliefs? Aren’t Christians taught not to judge others?

Some quote Christ from Luke: Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (Luke 6:37 KJV)

Others from Matthew: Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1 KJV)

Still others from John: Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. (John 7:24 KJV)

Please go back and read each chapter around these verses to be certain how they are being used is within context. For we must be able to make decisions based on information available – to make judgment calls, if you will.

Matthew continues with specific examples: For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (Matthew 7:2-5 KJV)

Take care of what is wrong in our own life – but then we will be able to see clearly to help another take care of theirs.

Luke continues in that same instance: And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. (Luke 6:41-44 KJV)

Matthew, a bit further in that chapter uses another example: Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:16-20 KJV)

And, that is not strictly confined to false prophets.

Luke uses a similar comparison in 6:44

John sums it up in that one, single verse -- judge righteous judgment.

Once again I suggest we follow the example of the Bereans: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJV)

Let us continue to search the scriptures daily, receive the word with readiness of mind – judging if these things are so!