IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE?
The choices of what we allow in and stay in our hearts, determines what will later come out of our mouths which can be powerful for good or bad.
Our carnal natures do not naturally edify. We have to rule over selfish and ungodly nature with our Christ-like, born-again nature by our will, our choices. If we allow our “flesh” to have its way, then it will. We need to consider whether or not we grieve the Lord with what we allow in our hearts and comes from our mouths.
Love is the greatest fruit of the Spirit and the foundation for all the rest. Without love, nothing else would be.
Let us consider the power of what we speak. The tongue is a small thing but it is like the rudder of a ship. It can turn situations for better or for worse.
Peter, in one of his letters, wrote the following which includes a quote from King David of Psalms 34:
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."” - 1 Peter 3:8-12
What we do with our tongues, flows from what we allow in our hearts. Are we compassionate or cold, tenderhearted or callous, courteous and graceful or puffed up... are we blessing and inheriting blessing or not blessing and missing out?
Jesus came to show us the way to abundant life. And Peter reminds us that in order to do it, we must guard our tongue, from doing evil with it and speaking deceit. We must use it to seek peace. Helping others in humility instead of tearing them down is a fruit of the Spirit. As even when the Lord rebukes us, it is in love. How important it is that when we have to rebuke or correct others, that we do it in love. Can you imagine the Lord exposing our faults to others? What would the purpose be? We do have to deal with others' faults, but we must do it from a right heart and first deal with our own faults.
Number 7 on “the 7 abominations that the Lord hates” of Proverbs 6 is sowing discord.
“And one who sows discord among brethren.” - Proverbs 6:19b
Discord is something the Lord hates. He does not just dislike it, He hates it. We can “shut down” a lot of discord in the body of Christ or even the places where we work or go to school, by showing love and mercy instead of discord.
We used to have a pastor's wife, that when anyone would come to her with the news of what so-and-so did, she would stop them before it ever got too far and say, let 's pray for them right now. Over and over she would do this. She could have received and furthered along whatever it was all about but she didn't. After a while, a person knew not to go to her with gossip or unflattering news. At least not unless they truly wanted to pray for them...
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” - Ephesians 4:29
The same verse in the Amplified Bible reads: “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.”
If we use our tongue rightly, it can be a blessing to others and give grace to those who hear it. How important this is in a world where kindness and goodness are getting rarer and rarer. People need love and grace. And wonderfully, in return, we are even blessed when we bear this fruit of the Spirit.
Even if we have to help someone in correction, by doing it with love... (the way we would want to be corrected) it can make all the difference in the world.
Bruce Marciano is an actor who played Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. He learned so much about the heart of the Lord in playing that role. He prayed so much to do it right. And he listened intently for the direction of the Holy Spirit in studying his lines and preparing. One important thing he learned along the way was that Jesus walked and talked no different than how the Holy Spirit speaks to us in our hearts. Many of the verses where some people see Jesus as angry and harsh when He had to do some of the tougher parts of the Father's business, were not done as other actors who played the role or as some may think. Jesus was “convicting” in His mannerisms, not condemning. He even said it more than once, that He did not come to condemn, but He came to save (John 3:17, John 8:11). We can only imagine the tones and mannerisms of Jesus according to our minds and hearts as we read His Word. In reality, Jesus, in the natural, was just as the Holy Spirit is in our hearts, humble but strong, convicting not condemning, loving even His enemies, obedient to the Father, etc. Our mission is to be like Him and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” - Proverbs 15:4
The same verse in the Amplified Bible says this: “A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.”
We can have “healing tongues” that “build-up” or “contrary tongues” that “break down spirits.” We know what Jesus did when He came and what the Holy Spirit does today. In order for us to do the same, we have to abide in the love of the Lord and have that love abiding in us so that we can rule over our contrary carnal natures and use our words for building-up and not tearing-down others.
If we are harsh and critical in our hearts, then we will sow and reap accordingly. If we are humble, merciful and graceful how much more will it bless others and us?
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:7-10
By keeping our carnal nature in check (crucifying our flesh) we can sow life. It is good to both give and receive life. Somehow, at times we allow ourselves to just react-in-kind to unpleasant circumstances which benefits no one. Not the recipients of our tongues or ourselves... not to mention that it displeases the Lord and the Holy Spirit who is always with us. But if we can keep right hearts and bridle our tongues, we can sow life. We can sow something productive for those around us, for us and please the Lord too.
There is no better place to work from than a place of humility. From a place of humility, one can reach almost anyone. God does not take kindly to prideful people and most people do not either.
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Matthew 23:12
And here is “the big one” about dealing with others.
"Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:37-38
Sometimes people think they are getting away with being judgmental, condemnatory (damning), unforgiving and harsh (critical). But God does not turn a blind eye to anything that goes on upon this earth. In time, all will come back to us. It is quite possible that there are many in hell today, who deluded themselves into thinking they were Christians but lived harsh and cruel lives.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” - 1 John 4:7-8
King David wrote this of the Lord: “With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; with a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; with the pure You will show Yourself pure; and with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks.” - Psalms 18:25-27
Not one of us earned our mental abilities, natural physical looks or talents. We were not blessed so that we could be puffed up and conceited. Sometimes, we are strong in certain areas and then are hard on those that are weak in those areas. This should not be so. We have a saying here in Texas, “there go I but for the grace of God.” We have all been given various measures to live and work with in this world. We need to have mercy on those who are weaker in various ways and not think we are better. They need our prayers and kindness, not to have their situations made worse. And we, in our weaker areas, need the same. We need to remember, the Lord gives but He can also take away.
Even if we have worked harder with what the Lord has given us, it does not make better than anyone else. The Lord does not love us more or love someone else less, who did not work as hard. Number 1 of “the 7 abominations the Lord hates” is: a proud look (Proverbs 6:17a). The Amplified Bible says it this way: “A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others]”
God made us all unique. We are all created differently. If we look, we can find the best in others. That is what love does as we see in 1 Corinthians 13:7. Many times people are broken inside. Some never seem to make it past “their past” and instead of having mercy on them in our hearts, we are harsh on them. We have no idea what they went through and with what type of inner abilities they have had or not, and yet so often we sit in judgment of them. Thinking things like “I had it worse and look what all I have done with my life” or “well I had it bad too and I responded this way and look how great I am” etc.
Who are we to judge another?
“Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” - Romans 14:4
For more thought, here is the same verse in the Amplified Bible: “Who are you to pass judgment on and censure another's household servant? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he shall stand and be upheld, for the Master (the Lord) is mighty to support him and make him stand.”
Did God call us to share the Throne with Him over others? Who do we sometimes think we are?
We are “all sinners” - even if we are “sinners being saved by grace.” Who of us can throw the first stone at others for their particular sins? Maybe we have even committed some of the same ones but did not get caught. Just as Jesus told the Pharisees with the woman caught in adultery, “let he who is without sin, throw the first stone.” (John 8:7b) None of us are sinless, which disqualifies us all. We are all disqualified in throwing stones for condemnation, all of us.
If we would only operate from mindsets of humility, always remembering that it is only by the grace of God that we are saved.
Many of the things we sit in judgment over others about are actually none of our business. What business is it of ours, how much money someone else makes or how they spend it? What business is it of ours how clean or unclean their house is or how their yard is maintained? How is that helpful?
“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” - Proverbs 26:20-21
Consider some of the following verses.
“and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” - Luke 6:35b-36
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” - James 1:26-27
“A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” - Proverbs 18:20-21
“There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?” - James 4:12
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.” - Romans 14:10-13
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” - Galatians 6:1-5
“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." - Matthew12:36-37
“And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” - John 12:47
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” - John 3:17
“And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." - John 8:11b
“You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me.” - John 8:15-16
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” - 1 John 4:11
“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” - 1 John 4:15-16
“If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” - 1 John 4:20-21
There is a short lesson that most Christians know about regarding how to tell “who's voice” one is hearing: If the voice is condemning, it is the devil. If the voice is convicting, it is the Holy Spirit, for the devil tears down and the Holy Spirit builds up, even when rebuking or giving correction.
“Accusing, judging and condemning” is what the devil does. “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” - Revelation 12:10
There is no doubt that some of the things the devil brings up before the Lord probably have some merit. In other words, there is no doubt that he is more than glad to bring up our sins and mistakes. But if we are forgiven, then it is in vain on his part. Other than times when it is justifiable and important, what good does it do to bring up others' faults? Grace covers a multitude of sins and there is a reason. It is what kindness does. It is what we wish would happen for us and we need to do for others.
And for the matter of us condemning others, how are we to know what each other has repented of?
Even if we are sure someone has “erred” - is it our place to condemn them to hell? Did God take a break and put us in charge? Do we know each others hearts? I propose that it is one thing to call sin what it is and another thing to condemn the sinner.
“For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law” - Romans 2:12
Why do we want grace for ourselves but law for others? The same principal that is involved with unforgiveness one to another, holds in pointing fingers about others before God. If we declare that we are sorry and want mercy and God forgives us and then do not forgive someone who wrongs us, then our pardon is voided. It is the same principle in declaring someone else guilty and accountable in a court of “us” in that if we declare ourselves an authority over someone else' error, then the measure we are judging by comes back on us. We forfeit God's grace and fall back under the law. We cannot live under grace and demand the law for others. That would be delusional because the Lord says if we get grace, we must give it or we find ourselves back under the law.
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." - Matthew 18:23-35
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” - Matthew 6:14-15
There are times to judge but according to the Lord's instruction.
We are to watch out for false prophets and people causing trouble, which cannot be done without using judgment. This is why we need to know God's Word so that we can judge rightly.
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” - Matthew 7:15-16
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” - 1 John 4:1
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” - Romans 16:17-18
There can be times when we have problems with wrongs done by others and the Lord says how to handle it.
"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” - Matthew 18:15-17
“'You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”- Leviticus 19:17-18
In the following verses, we see that we can be accountable for not judging and for allowing error within the body of Christ.
“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” - Revelation 2:20
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person." - 1 Corinthians 5:11-13
One must use their judgment in order to fulfill the commands in the above verses. But we are to judge righteously, not with hate or malice. Being critical of others is not godly. Slander and bad judgment is not godly. We are to edify and build up, not tear others down.
If we do not want someone else judging every little thing we do, then we should not be doing it to others. Charitable judgment should be what we would like and we should be doing.
“Mis-judging” is the serious mistake Job's friends made and God required them to repent of it. Even with good intentions, they did wrong and angered God. They really believed and spoke it to Job and each other that Job had committed some sin that caused his tragedies. This is easily what can happen when we judge by our human sight and have no idea of what God is doing or allowing for His purposes.
“And so it was, after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has. Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has." - Job 42:7-8
There is also a certain kind of judging that is especially bad and it is when we judge in hypocrisy; judging someone for a splinter in their eye when we actually have a log in our own.
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.” - Luke 6:41-42
“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?” - Romans 2:1-3
When we first self-examine ourselves and open up to the correction and direction of the Holy Spirit, then we can operate from a place of humility. God is the ultimate Redeemer. He is always looking for ways to make things better. He operates from a redeeming mindset. If He does not tear us down from His sinless position and as Owner and Creator of all things, then who are we to do it to each other?
Judging is like the case of forgiving. Do we want forgiveness? Then we must forgive. Do we want to be judged? Then we must pass on judging. And it is the same with condemnation. Do we want to be condemned? Then we must pass on condemning.
If we do not forgive, then our sins are held against us. If we hold others to the law, then we too will be held to the law. If we give grace, then grace will be given to us.
In conclusion, we need agape love. We all need it. So as we receive it from the Lord, we need to also love others with it. The Lord loves everyone. Agape love takes work. It means choosing rightly when our fallen nature wants to be ungodly and unloving. The joy and wonder of it all, is that love is the better way. There is “real life” in “real love.” It blesses the ones on the receiving end. It blesses the Father and it blesses the giver.
Our carnal natures do not naturally edify. We have to rule over selfish and ungodly nature with our Christ-like, born-again nature by our will, our choices. If we allow our “flesh” to have its way, then it will. We need to consider whether or not we grieve the Lord with what we allow in our hearts and comes from our mouths.
Love is the greatest fruit of the Spirit and the foundation for all the rest. Without love, nothing else would be.
Let us consider the power of what we speak. The tongue is a small thing but it is like the rudder of a ship. It can turn situations for better or for worse.
Peter, in one of his letters, wrote the following which includes a quote from King David of Psalms 34:
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."” - 1 Peter 3:8-12
What we do with our tongues, flows from what we allow in our hearts. Are we compassionate or cold, tenderhearted or callous, courteous and graceful or puffed up... are we blessing and inheriting blessing or not blessing and missing out?
Jesus came to show us the way to abundant life. And Peter reminds us that in order to do it, we must guard our tongue, from doing evil with it and speaking deceit. We must use it to seek peace. Helping others in humility instead of tearing them down is a fruit of the Spirit. As even when the Lord rebukes us, it is in love. How important it is that when we have to rebuke or correct others, that we do it in love. Can you imagine the Lord exposing our faults to others? What would the purpose be? We do have to deal with others' faults, but we must do it from a right heart and first deal with our own faults.
Number 7 on “the 7 abominations that the Lord hates” of Proverbs 6 is sowing discord.
“And one who sows discord among brethren.” - Proverbs 6:19b
Discord is something the Lord hates. He does not just dislike it, He hates it. We can “shut down” a lot of discord in the body of Christ or even the places where we work or go to school, by showing love and mercy instead of discord.
We used to have a pastor's wife, that when anyone would come to her with the news of what so-and-so did, she would stop them before it ever got too far and say, let 's pray for them right now. Over and over she would do this. She could have received and furthered along whatever it was all about but she didn't. After a while, a person knew not to go to her with gossip or unflattering news. At least not unless they truly wanted to pray for them...
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” - Ephesians 4:29
The same verse in the Amplified Bible reads: “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.”
If we use our tongue rightly, it can be a blessing to others and give grace to those who hear it. How important this is in a world where kindness and goodness are getting rarer and rarer. People need love and grace. And wonderfully, in return, we are even blessed when we bear this fruit of the Spirit.
Even if we have to help someone in correction, by doing it with love... (the way we would want to be corrected) it can make all the difference in the world.
Bruce Marciano is an actor who played Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. He learned so much about the heart of the Lord in playing that role. He prayed so much to do it right. And he listened intently for the direction of the Holy Spirit in studying his lines and preparing. One important thing he learned along the way was that Jesus walked and talked no different than how the Holy Spirit speaks to us in our hearts. Many of the verses where some people see Jesus as angry and harsh when He had to do some of the tougher parts of the Father's business, were not done as other actors who played the role or as some may think. Jesus was “convicting” in His mannerisms, not condemning. He even said it more than once, that He did not come to condemn, but He came to save (John 3:17, John 8:11). We can only imagine the tones and mannerisms of Jesus according to our minds and hearts as we read His Word. In reality, Jesus, in the natural, was just as the Holy Spirit is in our hearts, humble but strong, convicting not condemning, loving even His enemies, obedient to the Father, etc. Our mission is to be like Him and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” - Proverbs 15:4
The same verse in the Amplified Bible says this: “A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.”
We can have “healing tongues” that “build-up” or “contrary tongues” that “break down spirits.” We know what Jesus did when He came and what the Holy Spirit does today. In order for us to do the same, we have to abide in the love of the Lord and have that love abiding in us so that we can rule over our contrary carnal natures and use our words for building-up and not tearing-down others.
If we are harsh and critical in our hearts, then we will sow and reap accordingly. If we are humble, merciful and graceful how much more will it bless others and us?
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:7-10
By keeping our carnal nature in check (crucifying our flesh) we can sow life. It is good to both give and receive life. Somehow, at times we allow ourselves to just react-in-kind to unpleasant circumstances which benefits no one. Not the recipients of our tongues or ourselves... not to mention that it displeases the Lord and the Holy Spirit who is always with us. But if we can keep right hearts and bridle our tongues, we can sow life. We can sow something productive for those around us, for us and please the Lord too.
There is no better place to work from than a place of humility. From a place of humility, one can reach almost anyone. God does not take kindly to prideful people and most people do not either.
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Matthew 23:12
And here is “the big one” about dealing with others.
"Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:37-38
Sometimes people think they are getting away with being judgmental, condemnatory (damning), unforgiving and harsh (critical). But God does not turn a blind eye to anything that goes on upon this earth. In time, all will come back to us. It is quite possible that there are many in hell today, who deluded themselves into thinking they were Christians but lived harsh and cruel lives.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” - 1 John 4:7-8
King David wrote this of the Lord: “With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; with a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; with the pure You will show Yourself pure; and with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks.” - Psalms 18:25-27
Not one of us earned our mental abilities, natural physical looks or talents. We were not blessed so that we could be puffed up and conceited. Sometimes, we are strong in certain areas and then are hard on those that are weak in those areas. This should not be so. We have a saying here in Texas, “there go I but for the grace of God.” We have all been given various measures to live and work with in this world. We need to have mercy on those who are weaker in various ways and not think we are better. They need our prayers and kindness, not to have their situations made worse. And we, in our weaker areas, need the same. We need to remember, the Lord gives but He can also take away.
Even if we have worked harder with what the Lord has given us, it does not make better than anyone else. The Lord does not love us more or love someone else less, who did not work as hard. Number 1 of “the 7 abominations the Lord hates” is: a proud look (Proverbs 6:17a). The Amplified Bible says it this way: “A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others]”
God made us all unique. We are all created differently. If we look, we can find the best in others. That is what love does as we see in 1 Corinthians 13:7. Many times people are broken inside. Some never seem to make it past “their past” and instead of having mercy on them in our hearts, we are harsh on them. We have no idea what they went through and with what type of inner abilities they have had or not, and yet so often we sit in judgment of them. Thinking things like “I had it worse and look what all I have done with my life” or “well I had it bad too and I responded this way and look how great I am” etc.
Who are we to judge another?
“Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” - Romans 14:4
For more thought, here is the same verse in the Amplified Bible: “Who are you to pass judgment on and censure another's household servant? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he shall stand and be upheld, for the Master (the Lord) is mighty to support him and make him stand.”
Did God call us to share the Throne with Him over others? Who do we sometimes think we are?
We are “all sinners” - even if we are “sinners being saved by grace.” Who of us can throw the first stone at others for their particular sins? Maybe we have even committed some of the same ones but did not get caught. Just as Jesus told the Pharisees with the woman caught in adultery, “let he who is without sin, throw the first stone.” (John 8:7b) None of us are sinless, which disqualifies us all. We are all disqualified in throwing stones for condemnation, all of us.
If we would only operate from mindsets of humility, always remembering that it is only by the grace of God that we are saved.
Many of the things we sit in judgment over others about are actually none of our business. What business is it of ours, how much money someone else makes or how they spend it? What business is it of ours how clean or unclean their house is or how their yard is maintained? How is that helpful?
“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” - Proverbs 26:20-21
Consider some of the following verses.
“and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” - Luke 6:35b-36
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” - James 1:26-27
“A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” - Proverbs 18:20-21
“There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?” - James 4:12
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.” - Romans 14:10-13
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” - Galatians 6:1-5
“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." - Matthew12:36-37
“And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” - John 12:47
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” - John 3:17
“And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." - John 8:11b
“You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me.” - John 8:15-16
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” - 1 John 4:11
“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” - 1 John 4:15-16
“If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” - 1 John 4:20-21
There is a short lesson that most Christians know about regarding how to tell “who's voice” one is hearing: If the voice is condemning, it is the devil. If the voice is convicting, it is the Holy Spirit, for the devil tears down and the Holy Spirit builds up, even when rebuking or giving correction.
“Accusing, judging and condemning” is what the devil does. “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” - Revelation 12:10
There is no doubt that some of the things the devil brings up before the Lord probably have some merit. In other words, there is no doubt that he is more than glad to bring up our sins and mistakes. But if we are forgiven, then it is in vain on his part. Other than times when it is justifiable and important, what good does it do to bring up others' faults? Grace covers a multitude of sins and there is a reason. It is what kindness does. It is what we wish would happen for us and we need to do for others.
And for the matter of us condemning others, how are we to know what each other has repented of?
Even if we are sure someone has “erred” - is it our place to condemn them to hell? Did God take a break and put us in charge? Do we know each others hearts? I propose that it is one thing to call sin what it is and another thing to condemn the sinner.
“For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law” - Romans 2:12
Why do we want grace for ourselves but law for others? The same principal that is involved with unforgiveness one to another, holds in pointing fingers about others before God. If we declare that we are sorry and want mercy and God forgives us and then do not forgive someone who wrongs us, then our pardon is voided. It is the same principle in declaring someone else guilty and accountable in a court of “us” in that if we declare ourselves an authority over someone else' error, then the measure we are judging by comes back on us. We forfeit God's grace and fall back under the law. We cannot live under grace and demand the law for others. That would be delusional because the Lord says if we get grace, we must give it or we find ourselves back under the law.
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." - Matthew 18:23-35
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” - Matthew 6:14-15
There are times to judge but according to the Lord's instruction.
We are to watch out for false prophets and people causing trouble, which cannot be done without using judgment. This is why we need to know God's Word so that we can judge rightly.
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” - Matthew 7:15-16
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” - 1 John 4:1
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” - Romans 16:17-18
There can be times when we have problems with wrongs done by others and the Lord says how to handle it.
"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” - Matthew 18:15-17
“'You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”- Leviticus 19:17-18
In the following verses, we see that we can be accountable for not judging and for allowing error within the body of Christ.
“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” - Revelation 2:20
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person." - 1 Corinthians 5:11-13
One must use their judgment in order to fulfill the commands in the above verses. But we are to judge righteously, not with hate or malice. Being critical of others is not godly. Slander and bad judgment is not godly. We are to edify and build up, not tear others down.
If we do not want someone else judging every little thing we do, then we should not be doing it to others. Charitable judgment should be what we would like and we should be doing.
“Mis-judging” is the serious mistake Job's friends made and God required them to repent of it. Even with good intentions, they did wrong and angered God. They really believed and spoke it to Job and each other that Job had committed some sin that caused his tragedies. This is easily what can happen when we judge by our human sight and have no idea of what God is doing or allowing for His purposes.
“And so it was, after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has. Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has." - Job 42:7-8
There is also a certain kind of judging that is especially bad and it is when we judge in hypocrisy; judging someone for a splinter in their eye when we actually have a log in our own.
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.” - Luke 6:41-42
“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?” - Romans 2:1-3
When we first self-examine ourselves and open up to the correction and direction of the Holy Spirit, then we can operate from a place of humility. God is the ultimate Redeemer. He is always looking for ways to make things better. He operates from a redeeming mindset. If He does not tear us down from His sinless position and as Owner and Creator of all things, then who are we to do it to each other?
Judging is like the case of forgiving. Do we want forgiveness? Then we must forgive. Do we want to be judged? Then we must pass on judging. And it is the same with condemnation. Do we want to be condemned? Then we must pass on condemning.
If we do not forgive, then our sins are held against us. If we hold others to the law, then we too will be held to the law. If we give grace, then grace will be given to us.
In conclusion, we need agape love. We all need it. So as we receive it from the Lord, we need to also love others with it. The Lord loves everyone. Agape love takes work. It means choosing rightly when our fallen nature wants to be ungodly and unloving. The joy and wonder of it all, is that love is the better way. There is “real life” in “real love.” It blesses the ones on the receiving end. It blesses the Father and it blesses the giver.
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Copyright 2017 E. Cockrell May be used for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.
