Scripture About Judging Confusion

When we look at Scripture about judging, it is vital that we don’t get confused between judging and correcting our brothers or sisters. There is a big difference between the Scriptures on judging and the Scriptures about correction.

I think this has been a huge area that the Body of Christ has gotten confused about. The following Scripture on judging,”Judge not lest you be judged”, refers to being careful not to condemn a person for a particular behavior or their motivation.

It does not mean that we don’t have a duty to correct in love when we see someone acting in an unloving way. Do we have the responsibility of correcting others?

I would like to suggest that I would be doing my brother or sister a favor by offering a correction. Is the following a Scripture about judging?

Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Judging or correcting?

I love the advice given in this scripture, “in a spirit of gentleness”. Let’s remember this important key.

Correcting others can be a very tricky thing. It is, however, a very important skill to be learned and a necessary tool for the Body of Christ. I believe this is just about the single most epic failure of the church.

This touchy-feely, can’t-hurt-anyone’s-feelings attitude in the church is corrupting us all.  If the church can’t correct, who can? We need someone to help us see things we aren’t seeing!

I realize, receiving correction can be a bit hard at times.  We all think we are right 99% of the time. The truth is we are so in need of loving correction. Can we learn to accept correction?  Can we learn to correct in love?

Is the following Scripture about judging or correcting? 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

Again, we find this charge to correct, but as in the earlier scripture, we are admonished to do it in patience, which is a requirement of love.

As a parent of 13 children, my children talk about their amazement at my level of patience. I feel I have failed in this area repeatedly.

I am thankful, though, when the Lord, my husband, or even one of my children let me know when I have failed to correct with kindness or patience.

Proverbs 31:26 says,”When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness”. This is my prayer.  I believe we can learn to correct this way.

Correcting someone is really loving them. When we do correct, let’s keep the attitude which we see in 2 Thessalonians 3:15 – “Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” A scripture about judging others?

Warning produces the fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom. Warning can keep someone from hell, death, disease, or living a sinful life.

This next one looks like a Scripture about judging at first. In 1 Timothy 5:20 we’re told, “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.”

This is for the Believer who is resisting correction given in private. Talk about being “congregationally” incorrect.

We must stand up for beliefs that we know are against the Word of God. As the Body of Christ, it is our responsibility to speak up and bring correction when needed.

What would this world be like if Yeshua, Jesus Christ would not have said all that was needed at His appointed time? Let’s change our thinking about giving and receiving correction.

First, ask the Lord for His wisdom, and ask Him to correct you! Proverbs 15:22 says, “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.”

Secondly, find someone in your life who is bold enough to correct you, not candy coat everything you do. Give them license to speak into your life. Receive their correction.

Thirdly, be bold enough to correct others in love.  I need it, you need it, and we all need it. Don’t let fear of hurting someone’s pride keep them ignorant of sin.

In closing, please pray for all of us in the Body to take up the responsibility of correcting one another.

Charleen

P.S. Now that you are familiar with SCRIPTURE ABOUT JUDGING and correcting, find out what the Lord says about celebrating His way and the link above.