Being Judgemental Christians

Hidden In Him · Aug 31, 2017

RayJeena said:
I think there's something to this, that I've tangibly experienced first-hand.

Usually, the things I get judgy over in other people can be found, in some form or another, in myself.

It's gotten to where I can sometimes use my inclination to judge the other guy as a self-diagnostic tool: "Okay, so I've concluded that he/she is such a [fill in the blank here]. Now, how am *I* that way, because that's probably why that judgment even occurrred to me in the first place. It's a warning-light on my dashboard about some system-failure within my *own* vehicle."

It's totally Romans 2:1, in living color. ^ᴗ^

Ha! You know, this is an excellent practice, the reason being that this is often what the Lord will do to me when I get into prayer over someone who has offended me. I'm praying along regarding the person, and then all of a sudden He reminds me of some awful thing that I've done in the past, and suddenly their sins don't look so bad anymore, lol.

I think you're really on to something there.

yeshuaslavejeff · Aug 31, 2017

Mskriskris said:
So I always ask God, what does it mean to judge and how do I judge righteously? Even if I use the scripture, how do I distinguish when I'm trying to be nice for the sake of being favored by men

Mskriskris said:
Thanks, although I would prefer that I was warned about anything privately, as not to start anything under a thread that's only suppose to be a healthy discussion on how to have a closer walk with God.

To have a true view,
is not so easy on forums if the truth is covered up or 'private'.

To judge righteously, requires disclosure of the truth, in the truth,
in Jesus, from Jesus, in line with all of His Word,

and knowing who is not in Him, who is pretending, who is like the hypocritical scribes and pharisees Jesus said to expose openly, not in secret.

salt-n-light · Aug 31, 2017

SkyWriting said:
If you think you are righteous, then you may proceed.
Judge other people with full knowledge of everything
they have done and what they were thinking, just as God would do.

If a particular passage of scripture does not have good backing, or good support, then you may ignore it.

Lol, no man can have full knowledge of what someone has done and think. We are not God.

And wouldn't this throw the "lean not on my own understanding" verse out the window though? (Proverbs 3:5). I can't think that I'm righteous, righteousness is not a train of thought. It's a standing, I have to stand in righteousness, which is by standing on the Word of God.

Maybe I've mistaken your point, but if I haven't then that's my stance.

Hidden In Him · Aug 31, 2017

yeshuaslavejeff said:
To have a true view,
is not so easy on forums if the truth is covered up or 'private'.

To judge righteously, requires disclosure of the truth, in the truth,
in Jesus, from Jesus, in line with all of His Word,

and knowing who is not in Him, who is pretending, who is like the hypocritical scribes and pharisees Jesus said to expose openly, not in secret.

Welcome back, Jeff. I know we don't always agree, but you are right about this. Scripture says that we are to speak the truth in love to one another, and let the peace of God arbitrate amongst our hearts, and it is not to be a private thing (Ephesians 4:15-16, Ephesians 4:25-27, Colossians 3:13-15).

If it were a sin that they showed a potential to repent of, yes. But that is not the case with this particular individual. He is obstinate, and refuses to hear correction. We have no choice in the matter.

SkyWriting · Aug 31, 2017

Mskriskris said:
I can't think that I'm righteous, righteousness is not a train of thought. It's a standing, I have to stand in righteousness, which is by standing on the Word of God.

Can you back that up scripturally?

Becasue some people's attitude stinks, leading me
to believe they are not standing in what they think
they are standing in.

Apex · Aug 31, 2017

Galatians 2:11
When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.

salt-n-light · Aug 31, 2017

SkyWriting said:
Can you back that up scripturally?

Because some people's attitude stinks, leading me
to believe they are not standing in what they think
they are standing in.

Matthew 5:43-44.... if it stinks, pray for them. God bless.

faroukfarouk · Aug 31, 2017

Mskriskris said:
So often, do I hear "don't judge" and " I'm a believer, but I'm not like one of those judgemental ones" and "Pharisee" and all the noise. Basically, Christians being notorious for being judgemental. But I always felt like the issue is more with "condemning" and not "judging".It's just used so ambiguously, that any stance that's against a person's action can be called out as being "judgemental".

Out of all the scriptures, that's been brought up concerning it, I can never ignore the scripture that says for us to not judge by mere appearances, but to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24).

So I always ask God, what does it mean to judge and how do I judge righteously? Even if I use the scripture, how do I distinguish when I'm trying to be nice for the sake of being favored by men, or when I'm condemning based on surface information? How not to compromise the Word when dealing with day to day life?

So let have a dialogue about it.What's your view on this topic? Do you also struggle with this? How did you, or do you address it in your Christian walk?

Discernment is a Christian virtue; another way of describing it is practical wisdom, or having a Scriptural understanding.

woobadooba · Aug 31, 2017

From my experience, I have found that people who are quick to say, "Don't judge!" are often the most judgmental, especially judgmental of those who don't accept their carnal lifestyle.

lastofall · Aug 31, 2017

I had also struggled with that, but then realized that Christ also gave us the answer for that matter as well by (John 5:30) as He describes exactly how and why His judgments are just, which is because He seeks not His own will; which is the exact answer for us who by the way are supposed to follow His steps. For as His judgments (evaluations, determinations, conclusions) are just BECAUSE He seeks not His own will, but the will of the Father; so also to us-ward shall our judgments be just when we also do not seek our own will, but rather deny it, and seek the will of God. And by the way in the very same verse Christ tells us plainly the He of His own self can do nothing; so who are we to say that we of our own self can do something? Just another point of what He tells us.

"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30)

PeaceJoyLove · Aug 31, 2017

Mskriskris said:
So often, do I hear "don't judge" and " I'm a believer, but I'm not like one of those judgemental ones" and "Pharisee" and all the noise. Basically, Christians being notorious for being judgemental. But I always felt like the issue is more with "condemning" and not "judging".It's just used so ambiguously, that any stance that's against a person's action can be called out as being "judgemental".

Out of all the scriptures, that's been brought up concerning it, I can never ignore the scripture that says for us to not judge by mere appearances, but to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24).

So I always ask God, what does it mean to judge and how do I judge righteously? Even if I use the scripture, how do I distinguish when I'm trying to be nice for the sake of being favored by men, or when I'm condemning based on surface information? How not to compromise the Word when dealing with day to day life?

So let have a dialogue about it.What's your view on this topic? Do you also struggle with this? How did you, or do you address it in your Christian walk?

Judging has to do with the law. The woman caught in adultery in John 8, and Jesus said "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." He goes on to speak about "accusers" and condemning. Jesus did not condemn her, but sent her on her way.

John 12:47 and if any one may hear my sayings, and not believe, I -- I do not judge him, for I came not that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world. (YLT)

salt-n-light · Aug 31, 2017

woobadooba said:
From my experience, I have found that people who are quick to say, "Don't judge!" are often the most judgmental, especially judgmental of those who don't accept their carnal lifestyle.

I think the better question is though, why is the word "judge" such a blanketed term from something bad among even the Christians?

disciple1 · Aug 31, 2017

Mskriskris said:
So often, do I hear "don't judge" and " I'm a believer, but I'm not like one of those judgemental ones" and "Pharisee" and all the noise. Basically, Christians being notorious for being judgemental. But I always felt like the issue is more with "condemning" and not "judging".It's just used so ambiguously, that any stance that's against a person's action can be called out as being "judgemental".

Out of all the scriptures, that's been brought up concerning it, I can never ignore the scripture that says for us to not judge by mere appearances, but to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24).

So I always ask God, what does it mean to judge and how do I judge righteously? Even if I use the scripture, how do I distinguish when I'm trying to be nice for the sake of being favored by men, or when I'm condemning based on surface information? How not to compromise the Word when dealing with day to day life?

So let have a dialogue about it.What's your view on this topic? Do you also struggle with this? How did you, or do you address it in your Christian walk?

Mskriskris said:
for us to not judge by mere appearances

That's why I don't judge gay people, I'm quicker to judge Christians.
James chapter 4 verse 12
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?
John chapter 7 verse 24
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."

I don't think theirs anyone who can make a right judgment except God or Jesus, and I know it's wrong to be judgmental of judgmental Christians, but I feel they bring it on themselves.

Halbhh · Aug 31, 2017

Mskriskris said:
So often, do I hear "don't judge" and " I'm a believer, but I'm not like one of those judgemental ones" and "Pharisee" and all the noise. Basically, Christians being notorious for being judgemental. But I always felt like the issue is more with "condemning" and not "judging".It's just used so ambiguously, that any stance that's against a person's action can be called out as being "judgemental".

Out of all the scriptures, that's been brought up concerning it, I can never ignore the scripture that says for us to not judge by mere appearances, but to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24).

So I always ask God, what does it mean to judge and how do I judge righteously? Even if I use the scripture, how do I distinguish when I'm trying to be nice for the sake of being favored by men, or when I'm condemning based on surface information? How not to compromise the Word when dealing with day to day life?

So let have a dialogue about it.What's your view on this topic? Do you also struggle with this? How did you, or do you address it in your Christian walk?

That actions and people are not the same thing.

An action can be wrong. We are to learn right and wrong, to discern righteously.

But we can't then judge the person as if we are God Himself on the day of judgement. That is not in our authority.

Thus "Do not judge." Do not judge people themselves. Love them even if they are your enemy.

Flat. Clear. Absolute.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged."

"Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned."

"Show mercy, and mercy will be shown to you."

"Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven."

salt-n-light · Aug 31, 2017

Halbhh said:
That actions and people are not the same thing.

An action can be wrong. We are to learn right and wrong, to discern righteously.

But we can't then judge the person as if we are God Himself on the day of judgement. That is not in our authority.

Thus "Do not judge." Do not judge people themselves. Love them even if they are your enemy.

Flat. Clear. Absolute.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged."

"Show mercy, and mercy will be shown to you."

"Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven."

So what authority do we have as Christians?

ravindraneee · Aug 31, 2017

Judging a person is simply not saying whether they are doing right or wrong, as per Bible. Let's say we know a person is telling an outright lie. Telling the person that he/she is lying and that is wrong is not being judgmental. Judging is beyond calling something as right or wrong. Judging is actually telling what the person deserves because of their actions. In some cases, doing something to a person in return for their actions. In this case, calling a person a liar would be judgmental. Based on their actions, we are defining the nature of the person. It is not something we should be doing.

Halbhh · Aug 31, 2017

Mskriskris said:
So what authority do we have as Christians?

Lots, and we are to judge ideas as best we can by comparing them to scriptures, for instance. But not to judge people as people, even when a person does repeated wrongs. I edited above to include one more, a very helpful one about condemning, because of how dramatic and sharply clear it is. One could rely on epistles like the beginning of Romans chapter 2, but Christ is very complete on this question above, dramatic, clear. There is more He said also, such as the parable of the unforgiving debtor (debt meaning sins....), which helped me a lot, because of how it helps us to remember what would we think to judge is so much less than the totality of our own personal debt He is forgiving!

alertandawake · Aug 31, 2017

Hidden In Him said:
You are correct here. The proper interpretation of Matthew 7:1 is "Condemn not, that you be not condemned," only the Greek word is tricky because it can also mean "judge" like when used in the next verse. "For with what judgement you judge, you shall be judged. And with whatever measure you use, it shall be measured to you."

I have just checked the reference used for the english translation, the word "judge" in greek is "krino", G2919 in strongs. As often when it comes to translations, 1 word in one language can have many uses in another language. And the greek word krino in English can translate into judge or condemn, it all depends on context. Sadly, when it comes to translating from one language to another, and because of 1 word in one language can have multiple uses in the target language, it can be difficult to choose the best word in the target language.

Hidden In Him · Aug 31, 2017

alertandawake said:
I have just checked the reference used for the english translation, the word "judge" in greek is "krino", G2919 in strongs. As often when it comes to translations, 1 word in one language can have many uses in another language. And the greek word krino in English can translate into judge or condemn, it all depends on context. Sadly, when it comes to translating from one language to another, and because of 1 word in one language can have multiple uses in the target language, it can be difficult to choose the best word in the target language.

Agreed. It comes down to context, and by that I mean not only the immediate context but in light of the entire counsel of God as revealed in His word. :oldthumbsup:

dqhall · Aug 31, 2017

Mskriskris said:
So often, do I hear "don't judge" and " I'm a believer, but I'm not like one of those judgemental ones" and "Pharisee" and all the noise. Basically, Christians being notorious for being judgemental. But I always felt like the issue is more with "condemning" and not "judging".It's just used so ambiguously, that any stance that's against a person's action can be called out as being "judgemental".

Out of all the scriptures, that's been brought up concerning it, I can never ignore the scripture that says for us to not judge by mere appearances, but to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24).

So I always ask God, what does it mean to judge and how do I judge righteously? Even if I use the scripture, how do I distinguish when I'm trying to be nice for the sake of being favored by men, or when I'm condemning based on surface information? How not to compromise the Word when dealing with day to day life?

So let have a dialogue about it.What's your view on this topic? Do you also struggle with this? How did you, or do you address it in your Christian walk?

One who goes to court may seek a judgement against another as in a civil lawsuit or divorce proceeding. A sister sued her sister for not giving her more of the estate after their parents passed away. One who is robbed may press charges against the arrested thief. This is seeking a judgement or being judgemental. Being forgiving is the opposite of being judgemental.

One who is judging by appearance might come up with something like people who live in middle class neighborhoods are not rich. In fact numerous millionaires live in middle class neighborhoods. The billionaire founder of Ikea lives in a house with an appearance that gives no clue as to the owners' wealth. Some formulas describe net worth without tallying up the value of a family's residence.

Another form of judging by appearance is racial profiling. Good judgement is not biased or prejudiced. Fat people are lazy would be an example of judging by appearance.

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