To Judge or Not to Judge

   We know that Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life - period, end of story. HOWEVER, we live in a country where we have the freedom to believe or not believe in whatever we choose, and I honor this freedom. I also serve a God who has given us freedom to choose Him, or not.  How, then, can I judge others for their faith or lack of faith?  For that matter, how can I judge others for not living up to certain standards in their lives, when I am not even living up to my own standards?

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" Mt 7:2

We were created to need each other, to serve each other, and to benefit the lives of others. Judgment prohibits service. How can I serve someone or receive from someone who I have judged as less worthy than myself in any way?

I had a conversation with a friend the other day that really shed some light on the damaging effects of judgment.  Her brother is a Christian and has condemned her for her lack of faith, and in so doing, has pushed her further away from his faith.  Christians, who should by the very nature of their faith be the least judgmental, are not immune to this sin. Have you ever noticed how natural it is to pass judgment? We judge things all the time. We judge others' parenting styles, their physique (too fat, too skinny, too muscular), their personality (too negative, too positive, too loud, too quiet), various religious doctrine, styles of clothing, music talent, somebody's involvement in the church (not enough... too much...), and someone who is "religious" caught in outright sin. The problem occurs when this judgment (which could really be described as discerning our own tastes and values) is transferred from the situation or act, onto a person. That can lead to some serious consequences, including guilt, anger, isolation, confusion, and sometimes further separation from Christ.

How should you, as a believer, respond to those who are living in sin? First of all, realize that you are not living in a way that honors the Lord either - we are all sinners!

"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?" Luke 6:41

Secondly, your response should depend in part on whether or not the person is a believer in Christ. If they are a non-believer, pray that your life and your relationship with that person will be a tool that draws them to Christ - not further away. Model patience, grace, and forgiveness, as Christ did for you.

"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." Luke 23:34

If they are a fellow believer, be careful not to fall into a trap of self-righteousness .

"As the scriptures say,  "No one is righteous - not even one." Romans 3:23

It is so easy to focus on another's shortcomings and how wrong they may be. But as we are focusing on that, we tend to take our eyes off of our own shortcomings - our own sins.
Of course their sin seems worse than yours! That is because it is theirs!
A true believer will experience conviction from the Holy Spirit. As fellow believers, we are encouraged to use the Word to lovingly admonish each other - but not to condemn. Be mindful that,

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1

In closing, please remember:  Our "job" as Christians is to draw others to Christ.  Not to push them away.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35