IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE?

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE?

Friday, January 31, 2013

Matthew 7:1-5 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Luke [MKJV] 6:39-46  And He spoke a parable to them: Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his master, but everyone who is perfect shall be like his master. 41 And why do you look at the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but do not see the beam that is in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, let me pull out the splinter in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First cast out the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to pull out the splinter that is in your brother's eye. 43 For a good tree does not bring forth corrupt fruit, neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth the good. And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth the evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 And why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?

  “Is it right to judge?” is question puzzled and argued over by many sincere caring Christians. However, most of the discussions I’ve listened in on have been devoid of Scripture other than without careful study selectively emphasizing certain verses from Jesus words recorded in Matthew 7:1-5. To teach not to ever judge comes from the mouth of misguided Christians and produces misguided weak congregations. To judge according to Jesus’ and apostles teaching is our responsibility. But what is taught? In reading Scripture:

·         Jesus commanded “Judge righteous judgment.” Jn.7:24

·         Jesus told a man “you have correctly judged” Lk.7:43

·         To others, He said “Why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?” Lk.12:57; also note 2Thes.3:6 & 1Cor.5:12

·         Never forget we are all under the same standard; God’s Word. This so by both God and family.

·         Judgment begins with self-examination. 2Cor.13:5

·         Judgment requires Christ-like example. Lk.6:40, 46; 1Cor.2:13-16

·         To correct, for health, to avoid corruption, judgment is required. 1Cor.5:1-6

·         The blind cannot lead the blind.

·         Hypocrites shouldn’t judge, evaluate, profile others.

·         Mt.7:5 and Lk.6:42 - Strong’s informs from the Greek, a hypocrite is [G5271] “an actor under an assumed character (stage player), that is, (figuratively) a dissembler”

·         Dictionary.com defines a dissembler as “to give a false or misleading appearance to; conceal the truth or real nature of: to dissemble one's incompetence in business.”

·         We are to judge as Jesus exemplified; sans condemnation with compassion and to buildup.

·         The Apostle Paul invited judgment. 1Cor.10:15

  So, is it right to judge? When Biblically qualified in character, yes.  EBB4