To Judge or Not to Judge
To judge or not to judge; that is the question.
1 Corinthians 4:5 (NASB95) Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.
So in the verse above Paul says not to judge.
1 Corinthians 5:12–13 (NASB95) For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.
Then a few verses later in the same book of the Bible Pauls tells us to judge. Which is it? Judge or don’t judge?
Both.
Paul tells us first of all not to judge the motives of men’s hearts. We cannot discern a person’s motivation or the heart behind their actions. We think we can, because we erroneously believe their motivations are the same as ours. He also tells us not to judge those who are outside of the church of Jesus Christ.
Then he tells to to judge any so called Christian by their behavior, and then to lovingly correct them and if necessary remove the person walking in unrepentant wickedness from the fellowship of the body of Christ.
Galatians 6:1 (NASB95) Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
More about this topic in the coming “From the Hearts”. If you have any thoughts about judgement email me at randy@lifecommunitychurch.com.
Love you, Pastor Randy