Judging Versus Condemnation: Judging Unto Correction

It's amazing to me how many believers try to hold on to Matthew 7:1-6 as a means of rejecting exhortation from the body of Christ. I read this article on Judging Versus Condemnation and I wanted to share it with you. I thought this was a good teaching on biblical judging unto correction.

Cross post from Fellowship of Christ International

Written by By Rev. Dr. Trudy Veerman

Web Site: A Christian Counselor


Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad...
1 King 3:9

Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. Job 34:4

The word "judging" has been wrongly interpreted by many believers in Christ. If by judgement you mean to accuse someone of wrongdoing, then follow Jesus' example and do not judge until you are certain that you are perfectly pure.

Judge NOT, that YE be NOT judged... Matthew 7:1-6

The above speaks of judging in the flesh, with a carnal mind.

If we stop here, then you could say DON'T JUDGE, but since Jesus went on we see that we CAN judge. Let us look at the rest of what He said, "For if you judge, you will be judged by the same standard by which you judge." Jesus says that if we are to judge, we'll be handed back the same measure that we judged with. If your life is right with the Lord, then why would you fear the judgement on yourself? But, how do we judge one another?

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24

God's Word is sufficient for guidance regarding judging and evaluating. John 8:15-24 teaches us how to judge. Jesus himself does not even judge according to the flesh. But, if we judge according to the scriptures, we better make sure that we don't fail ourselves in the particular area in which we judge others.

We must judge according to the Scripture, not unto condemnation, but correction. Judging is often misunderstood and misused as accusation and condemning. That is why many Christians think we should not judge. But the God-like Biblical judging is a wonderful way of opening the eyes of the one who is falling by the wayside. If nobody tells him he may get lost and he may not know how to come back. We judge others in the Love of Christ, not with harsh words and condemnation, but according to God's Word.

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother.
Zechariah 7:9

It should be the Word of God that the believer speaks, that will judge the person, NOT the believer's opinion. God is the only Judge to judge unto condemnation, but when we judge each other, we must judge as to correct, not to condemn. Not with an attitude as if we know it so well, or are so good, but in the Love of Christ. Really, God has judged sin already, but also provided a Remedy.

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
Leviticus 19:15

Judging as in estimating, determining, measuring your brother's sin according to the scriptures. Approaching him, helping and supporting to bring him back on track with the Lord. That is in simple English what Biblical Judging means. Admonishing , warning, correcting and restoring is called Nouthetic Counseling, according to Paul.

"...Thou hast rightly judged" (Luke 7:43) were Jesus words to Simon Peter.

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? (Luke 12:57 )

This is how we should judge, using the scriptures as our standard:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

1 John 4:1-6 tells us to test the spirit of those addressing you. Measure what I and others say with the Bible. It is the standard provided by God.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 )

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (1 Corinthians 2:15 )

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? (1 Corinthians 6:2-5 )

Of course there are some who don't want to hear any warning or admonition. They would call the approach "judging" as accusation, hiding themselves behind this, as not to have their sins revealed. They would like to bring Biblical judging to a stop , or a halt, throwing back the ball to the believer who tries to bring them back to obedience unto the Lord.

Let us as brothers and sisters in Christ strive to find the TRUTH, the Word of God, that we may have eternal life. It is a blessing to be judged correctly by anyone who speaks TRUTH per God's principles and NOT man's.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:6, 7)

Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. (Psalm 107:43)

MAY THE LORD ADD HIS BLESSING TO HIS WORD