I am at a point in my life where I get really dismayed going back and forth with some loved ones about right and wrong. I find myself disagreeing about topics I never thought I'd disagree with a fellow believer about.
When somebody says they are saved yet live like an unbeliever, I find myself wondering, "Do I believe the claim or the actions?"
I'm all the way burnt out on that go-to line "Well we're not to judge." I've long ago started to believe that a believer's way of judging should not be in pre-determining somebody's destination. But to instead discern the fruits of a person's lifestyle and treat that person as either a fellow disciple (sharing/communicating the Word mutually whether conversationally, instructionally, or correctively) OR treat him/her like someone who doesn't know Christ (sharing the gospel to evangelize the person regardless of their claim to salvation). Otherwise, I will find myself blindsided by my own assumption and end up in more heated discussions over issues I thought were pretty basic Biblically.
Does anybody ever find themselves feeling like you don't want to "judge" in humanly interpretation of the word but need to make some type of judgment call to determine how to communicate with a person in sin claiming salvation?
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We are all sinners. We all sin. Even the "saved" (referred to as stumbling). However, it's the "trend" of ones life in harmony with the Word of God .... or not. So is a person "stumbling" or has the "act(s)" become a consistent "trend" in ones life?
There's a difference between "judging" and "discernment" and with people there is a "fine line" between the two. Often when discernment happens through discussion, it is "seen" or "perceived" as judgement. If a person says they are saved, then who are we to doubt that? If we doubt that then that is judgement. God knows the heart and He continually works on hearts all hearts.
The good thing is ... a person saying they are saved ... then they are receptive to the Word of God. When differences of "interpretation" or what one believes Gods word is saying ... a lot of times there just needs to be discussion about it and the end of it is we agree to disagree on this or that. In other words, in love the people each give their understanding of of Gods word. The "points of view" "understanding" are discussed. What one believes? Is up to them. Conversation about Gods word though plants seeds.
The "right of wrong" of it is Jesus' call. He alone judges.
We are all in different "stages" in our relationship with the Lord.
So, how one proceeds depends on how close of a relationship there is between the people having the conversation(s) and their knowledge and understanding of Gods word. Discuss the scriptures .... agree to disagree if necessary, and let the Lord do His work in their hearts.
There are many things I used to believe ... but I also have changed many of those beliefs because of personal dedicated study in Gods word. What I believe will be in line with some and out of line with others. That's ok. Agree to disagree.
This is seen all the time, especially in this forum. But it is good to discuss these things ... and bring up scriptures. But the discussion needs to be that ... discussion in the light of .... this is what I believe and why I believe it ... and we agree to disagree on some things.
So, refer to scripture, give your current understanding of them, let others do the same. If you agree ... great ... if not .... agree to disagree. Daily search the scriptures.
Pray for one another.
Ephesians 6
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.