Not too long ago, someone said they didn’t like to be around me, because they feel like I am always judging them. A few years ago, I may have been hurt by such a statement, or even want to defend myself or fix the problem. But, I know that in this particular situation I did not and do not judge this person. So, I left it to the Lord.
But recently the media (especially social media) has been going crazy with people crying out that they are being persecuted and judged unfairly. So, I was thinking about it all, and thought I would blog about it a bit.
First, let me start by saying, I realize I live a very different life than the average American. I have 14 children. I am married and believe in a monogamous relationship. I believe that the Bible is TRUTH. I am heterosexual. I home school my children. I go to church on Saturday. I don’t celebrate Christmas or Easter. I could go on and on.
If you ask me why I live the way I do and believe the things I do, I am very excited to share with you my beliefs. But if you know me well, then you also know I do not believe it is my job to convince anyone to live as I live. There is only one thing I am extremely passionate about. I want everyone to know the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ. But, even in this passion, I realize I can only share the Truth with others, I can not make them see it or believe it.
So, if someone thinks I am judging them, it is most likely because they feel uncomfortable with the way I live my life in comparison to how they live. Does that mean I am right and they are wrong? I have no idea. All I know is I am trying to live the best I can in obedience to my LORD.
So, what does the Bible say about judging others. Here is a few scriptures.
Matthew 7:1-6
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged.2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and [a]by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?4 Or howcan you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Deuteronomy 16:18-20
“You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers in all your towns which the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. “You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
Romans 2:1-16
Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.2 And we know that the judgment of God [b]rightly falls upon those who practice such things.3 But do you suppose this, O man, [c]when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,6 who will render to each person according to his deeds:7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.9 There will be tribulation and distress ]for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek,10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.11 For there is no partiality with God.
12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judgedby the Law;13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.14 For when Gentiles who do not havethe Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves,15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
These are only a few verses that teach us about how to live together. Basically, I have learned that I am only human and no matter how much I think I know, I have a lot to learn. So, my job in life is to love the LORD my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. He says be holy as He is Holy. I am far from Holy. And He says to love others as He has loved me. I am often selfish in my relationships with others. So there is no room for judgement.
I have love and compassion for others when I see them going down a path that will lead them to pain and sorrow, but that is not judgement, no, that is concern.
Caring for others is done in compassion and grace, not with harsh words or anger. So, that is what I know.
I think often we totally misinterpret people’s intent because the majority of our conversations are not face to face. We have no body language or tone to see concern instead of judgment, or compassion instead of pride. I know I have often felt insecure and saw judgment where there was none because deep down I was judging myself. We all have much to learn as we grow! Thanks for a great post!
We are Bible believing, scripture only people. We love to learn about the Hebrew roots of our faith. We believe it is important to not add or subtract from the Divine Word of God. The compiled scriptures that agree with one another and have no contradiction is the 66 books of what is commonly referred to as the Christian Bible, or the Holy Bible.
These writings were originally written by men inspired by God. They were written in the language of the writers and readers of the original documents. Many of the original documents have been lost, but God’s Word is eternal and remains. Therefore, it is important to us to study, learn, and consider the culture, history, and language of the original writers of the scriptures.
In our studies we have learned that the true name of God is Yehovah, and His son, our Messiah, is named Yeshua. Therefore, as you read our posts we will use the Hebrew names of God and our Messiah.
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We are Bible believing, scripture only people. We love to learn about the Hebrew roots of our faith. We believe it is important to not add or subtract from the Divine Word of God. The compiled scriptures that agree with one another and have no contradiction is the 66 books of what is commonly referred to as the Christian Bible, or the Holy Bible.
I think often we totally misinterpret people’s intent because the majority of our conversations are not face to face. We have no body language or tone to see concern instead of judgment, or compassion instead of pride. I know I have often felt insecure and saw judgment where there was none because deep down I was judging myself. We all have much to learn as we grow! Thanks for a great post!