Posted on 08/26/2013 7:15:30 PM PDT by James R. Aist
Born-again Christians who are proclaiming the truths of God’s Word are increasingly being accused, especially by unbelievers, of judging them, against the admonition of Jesus, “Do not judge”, as if Christians are not allowed, much less instructed, to judge anyone or anything, ever. But, is that really what Jesus meant? Is that a valid accusation, or is it merely a ploy to mislead us and keep us from speaking out on current moral issues, so that they can freely contend for their version of moral truth without opposition?
(Excerpt) Read more at ipost.christianpost.com ...
What does that word judge mean? As in what specifically did Christ mean?
It also means that we as Christians are to discern what is right and wrong and what is good and what is evil based on the fact we are Christians, which means Christlike. We are never to compromise or endorse evil which is what unbelievers want us to do.
I think we all are going to be judged at the pearly gates. I hope all the FREEPERS meet up in Heaven. God will let us know how we did down on Earth.
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24
I Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Welcome to Free Republic. Four months, and only two posts (both excerpted blog entries)?
‘Judge’ is one of those words with many meanings.
My reading: it is intended in a clearly pejorative sense in the verse in question. Synonyms for ‘judge’ in this sense would be to damn or to gratuitously belittle. I think the verse means: If you do not want spirits coming at you which damn or gratuitously belittle, then refrain yourself from damning or gratuitously belittling. That’s not always easy and sometimes it isn’t obvious that you did it until you find yourself getting poked in the eye by the same spirit that you embraced to carry out the act. After all, you gave it permission! Blessedly, this sin is forgivable. But like all sins it needs forsaking.
Judge not, that ye be not judged
Think before you criticize others, for you may be criticized yourself in return.
The source is Matthew, vii, 1. It is part of the sermon of the mount and reads:: ‘Judge not, that you may not be judged yourselves; for as you judge so you will be judged, and the measures you deal out to others will be dealt out to yourselves.’
Compare this with 1 Corinthians 2:15:
"But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged by no one."
Here the word "judges" means "appraises".
The 2 commands don't make sense if the word "judge" is used literally. But when translated into the more accurate "condemn" and "appraise", they make perfect sense.
“Judge, and be prepared to be judged” was Ayn Rand’s dictum.
That’s the way this world is, at least.
After the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil was taken by man, an existence involving spiritual separation from God surely followed.
It remains today, except for those who accept faith in Christ, who are then given a regenerated human spirit by God Himself.
Our souls are still scarred by confusing discernment of good and evil for righteousness and judgment. The later two form God’s Holiness, while the others are consequent to legitimate authority.
If I guess that the room I’m in is 18 feet across and say with great authority that the room is 18 feet that is just a judgement. If I measure the room and it is 19’ 2” and I say the room is 19’ 2” I have not judged but stated a fact. The Bible is the measuring tape for sin. When you say that certain behavior is sin because the Bible says it is sin, you have not judged but spoken truth.
We must always speak truth with love and know that the Lord is willing to forgive; just as he has forgiven us many times.
What’s interesting about Matthew 7:1 is that just five verses later Jesus also tells believers to not give that which is holy to the dogs and to not cast pearls before swine. Hmmm... Sounds a bit judgmental in today’s parlance. I mean, one has to be able to note the dogs and swine, right? Then, in John 7:24 believers are commanded to judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. The concept of being nonjudgmental is not quite as simple as the idea that believers should overlook and shrug the shoulders at every perversion because that would be judging.
That is only part of the verse Christ spoke. It is always only partly cited by people who want to take it out of context to mean “good” christians can never judge anyone else.
the full context of what Christ is saying is don’t judge and condemn others for the very same stuff you’re doing. In essence, don’t commit the sin of hypocrisy. Don’t expect to be let off for the same things you threw others to the dogs for.
krino..... greek
1) to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose
2) to approve, esteem, to prefer
3) to be of opinion, deem, think, to be of opinion
4) to determine, resolve, decree
5) to judge
a) to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong
1) to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one’s case may be examined and judgment passed upon it
b) to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure
1) of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others
6) to rule, govern
a) to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions, because it was the prerogative of kings and rulers to pass judgment
7) to contend together, of warriors and combatants
a) to dispute
b) in a forensic sense
1) to go to law, have suit at law
Per Strong’s Concordance
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It means quote the law, but be very careful about applying it to anyone, because you are most probably not coming from a place of love.
Paradoxically, only those who love can damn, because only those who love can know that there is no prejudice in their judgement.
And by damn, I mean damn to hell - which, of course, no one is actually empowered to do. But Lordy, to people love to teach others that they are damned!
Here's a perfect example - how many times have you seen fault in someone, and thought they were going to hell, versus how many times you have seen good in someone, and thought they were going to heaven?
As I said, this doesn't mean we don't point out the law (of God).
But a loving advisory is not a damnation, or a threat of damnation. Jesus far more encouraged, than threatened. And He outright commanded we love each other - not threaten each other with damnation "in the name of loving their souls," (as so many like to claim).
The bible commands us to judge others. We are to tell people when they sin. If they refuse to listen then tell them with some of our brothers in Christ with us. If they refuse to listen then tell the CHURCH. By the way, the church is the Catholic Church.
IMO, ‘Judge not, that you may not be judged yourselves; for as you judge so you will be judged, and the measures you deal out to others will be dealt out to yourselves.’ is an admonition to judge righteously. It’s not that we should not judge, but that our judgments must be clear of any ulterior motive or deceptive underpinnings.
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