Judging someone's weight

Just seeing a fat person doesn't convey enough information to confirm gluttony. Christians should not judge someone for gluttony without confirmation of gluttony.

An overweight person may have medical issues. Too many people are quick to call them gluttons.

ChicanaRose said:

Should Christians judge an above-average weight person as gluttonous, when weight gain could be caused by medical issues or is a side effect of a medication? Some people have low-metabolism that even with a healthy diet, it takes more exercise than others for them to see the result.

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We are called to be kind to everyone regardless of anything, physical or otherwise.

God is the only Judge. Scripture tells us we are not to judge anyone, so doing that is a sin.

However, there is one kind of weight gain that we are free to judge as GOOD: pregnancy.

Gluttony is the least discussed sin in most Christian settings. Many congregations have their share of overweight and obese members. It is rarely raised in public.

Difficult question. I used to be quite the little fatty and I'm still well into what would be considered chubby by most people. For me to judge someone else for their weight is to judge myself as well. I recognized that I had a problem and took active steps to do something about it, but I don't see many others like me doing the same. Many seem to have given up and resigned themselves to being fat and keeping poor diet and activity habits.

I don't think I'm qualified to speak to their sin if their weight is a result of sin. I'm a sinful wretch myself. If I judge a person for their weight, I think I'm judging them for their lack of action to do something about it. Becoming healthier is a LOT of hard work. It seems a lot of people just don't want to put that kind of work into anything these days.

ChristianForCats said:

God is the only Judge. Scripture tells us we are not to judge anyone, so doing that is a sin..

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Well, no.

Nowhere does scripture define "judging" per se as a sin. Scripture commands judgment. When you have a group of people who should be operating in synergy, judgment is required for those who abuse the close relationships that should exist within the Body of Christ. But scripture requires that judgment be done correctly.

See Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5 for correct circumstances and methods by which Christians should judge other Christians.

Weight is the elephant in the room no one wishes to discuss. To turn a blind eye to someone’s struggles is unChristlike. We’re all guilty of doing this from time to time.

Nevertheless, we can lovingly come alongside our brethren whether their struggle is due to diet or medical issues and lend support through prayer and encouragement. We needn’t trample feelings to convey our support and accountability if needed.

Those with nutritional, fitness, and culinary knowledge could enrich our community and settings if we utilized their expertise. We would be healthier as a unit and convey a positive example of togetherness and grace that others could emulate.

The remedy for our ails is seated on high and right in our midst. We need only ask.

LaBèlla said:

Weight is the elephant in the room no one wishes to discuss. To turn a blind eye to someone’s struggles is unChristlike. We’re all guilty of doing this from time to time.

Nevertheless, we can lovingly come alongside our brethren whether their struggle is due to diet or medical issues and lend support through prayer and encouragement. We needn’t trample feelings to convey our support and accountability if needed.

Those with nutritional, fitness, and culinary knowledge could enrich our community and settings if we utilized their expertise. We would be healthier as a unit and convey a positive example of togetherness and grace that others could emulate.

The remedy for our ails is seated on high and right in our midst. We need only ask.

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With regard to weight, there are lots of ways the Western (particularly American) world system is killing us. When I look at the condition of black people today compared to when I was young, I see clearly that something is being done to us by the ways of this world. In another twenty years, diabetes and heart disease will wipe though the black community like the Holocaust. The factors are many, but they can be identified and rectified, rather than hiding behind the faux sanctimony of "not being judgmental."

RDKirk said:

With regard to weight, there are lots of ways the Western (particularly American) world system is killing us.

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I agree. I attribute my approach to food to three factors: the Holy Spirit’s guidance, whole foods seasonal eating, and the rejection of many of the tenets of the body positivity movement.

For me personally, it’s wrong to violate my temple. That goes well beyond food. I’m referencing a consciousness. Not self-flagellation. It matters not what society says or does. Their philosophy cannot be my barometer. I must look to Him.

It’s not about scaling the mountain overnight but making measured changes that build unto the other over time. Convenience is our greatest threat. The ease comes at a cost of caloric meals laden with sugar and fat that few will burn off. Not to mention the sodium.

The greatest defense against convenience is preparing your own food. Developing your palate will enable you to amplify flavor without harmful substitutes. Good ingredients often result in smaller portions.

Everything has increased in scale. Our plates are larger. We supersize standard meals without realizing the damage we’re doing. Getting back in the kitchen is a must as is tasting real food once more. Put down the candy bar and grab a wedge of dark chocolate. You’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the other.

The Western diet has many pitfalls. Weston Price studied its affects on many cultures and the physical changes they underwent as a result of its consumption. I agree with his idea that foods indigenous to our genetic makeup are generally best.

Although I’m a woman of color, my Creole roots and French ancestry have influenced my diet. That is my approach today. I eat what the ground produces in its season. Taste and portion control are my focuses. I use butter, cream, olive and other oils, and consume wine. And I love cheese and charcuterie!

I don’t have a penchant for deep-fried foods, low-fat or refined products. Freshness is a must. I prefer the baker’s bread (if they use natural yeast) over commercial brands. Sugary sweets are unappealing. A homemade galette or gelato is far better.

This approach has kept me free of weight-related diseases. I make a lot of products at home. Including condiments. I enjoy my meals far more today than I did in the past.

Lifestyle changes can’t be undertaken until we’ve reached a point where we’re willing to admit our behavior is harming us. No physician can bring you to that place. It begins within.