Judge is an interesting word. People judge other people all
the time. Some by saying they disagree with what another person would wear.
Maybe differing parenting techniques or mentioning how many kids someone else
has and they shouldn’t have anymore. Judging can go a lot deeper than this when
it comes to people and their view on hot topic issues like homosexuality or
politics. Some might bring up the question, “Who am I to judge?” In the
Christian attitude it happens all the time, only God can judge I am just
supposed to love people. Is that the way we are supposed to
live our lives as Christians?
To start with this we have to look at what judging means…to form an opinion about through
careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises…to determine or pronounce
after inquiry and deliberation…to form an estimate or evaluation of…to hold as
an opinion.
What do you think can
Christians judge? This is what Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13…
“What business is it
of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”
First thought, this
is a harsh form of judgment. Yet the situation is dealing with a Christian who
was sleeping with a relative which went against Old Testament and Roman law.
The church was doing nothing to stop it, therefore Paul had the harsh words for
the people. When we look at our own lives and the definitions, I think we can
judge but in a loving way. We have to think it through what we want to say and
look at all different perspectives esp. considering we too are sinners.
How do you judge
people? Is it out of anger and bitterness or do you evaluate the situation? It
reminds me of the verse James 1:19. Think about how you respond to people. Have
a great day.
