Articles
Before You Judge
We have all likely heard someone quote Jesus when He said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matt. 7:1); if your experience is similar to mine, it is/was almost always used out of context to apply in ways Jesus did not intend. From my experience, it is most often used to shut down someone who has pointed out some sinful behavior, and it is then the one charged with the sinful behavior will quote what is seemingly the only Bible verse they know. [Not what it means, but what they want it to mean.]
But, if we have heard that — or if we have even quoted it ourselves — we need to know that Jesus was not forbidding all judgment; what He was saying [if we read on a little further] is that, if we are going to judge, we better use the same standard of judgment we would want someone to use towards us. Jesus would also be the one who said, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). In both instances, Jesus is not forbidding judgment altogether, but admonishing us to use “righteous [fair; just] judgment.” By His words, we should see that any judgment we feel must be made must be preceded by self-examination, must not to be based on superficial criteria, and must not to be based merely on appearances. This would also be a proper application of what we call “The Golden Rule” — not coincidentally in the text following the words of Jesus regarding our judgment. It is then Jesus also said, “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matt. 7:12). In other words, because we all desire to be judged fairly, we should then judge others fairly.
But we don’t always do that, do we?
Someone created a clever way of helping us to watch what we say with the T•H•I•N•K acrostic, and I believe that same mnemonic will help us stop and consider our words and actions before we judge, also. Consider:
T: Is it TRUE? Far too often, what is said in making judgments is simply not true; many times, it is not even a matter of ‘true’ or ‘false,’ but just one’s opinion. But on matters where the judgment can be said to be ‘true’ or ‘false,’ it is vital we check our facts before speaking or acting. Especially in our modern world of instant communication and viral posts on social media, we must resist the urge sometimes demonstrated in mainstream media where some seem to have forgotten the old adage, “It’s better to be right than to be first.” Far too many times, we feel the urge to pass on information that has been relayed to us, and without checking to see if what was said, and what we are wanting to tell others, is actually true.
Under the Old Law, God’s people were commanded, “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people” (Lev. 19:16). Many times, what is said [or what we are tempted to pass on as gossip] is not true at all, but an effort by someone [likely whoever first shared this information] who is trying to cause harm to the subject of the gossip. If that is the case, then this would certainly fall under the phrase “all evil speaking” (1 Pet. 2:1) that must be ‘laid aside’ that we might grow, as disciples. God knew the reality that gossip is such a tempting endeavor to many, and the wise writer points to this when he said, “The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body” (Prov. 18:8). Gossip is sometimes more tempting than that big piece of chocolate pie! But refrain! Just don’t do it. And just because it is true doesn’t mean it should be said, though. Consider, also:
H: Is it HELPFUL? Something may indeed be true, but it may not be helpful to the hearer. Again, sometimes words are said and gossip is passed on with evil intent, or a purposeful attempt to destroy the reputation of another. Sometimes — especially in times when we feel compelled to offer our judgments to others — what is said is not helpful at all but, in fact, hurtful.
Regarding this, let us hear the apostle Paul: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). That admonition, by itself [if heeded] would eliminate a lot of what is said between brethren because it is not helpful at all, but hurtful and discouraging.
I know: We all like to think we are ‘helping’ when we offer our judgments; but are we, really? Is what we are saying actually helpful or is it just our opinion as to how things should be, or should have been? I absolutely want others to care enough to help me to be better in whatever I am doing, but can tell you as one who is a public speaker, many judgments I have heard [directed at me or to other speakers], is plainly discouraging. I find it disappointing sometimes that the only thing some in the audience get out of a lesson is how I could have done better on the delivery or used such-and-such Bible verse, or such-and-such illustration. Was the point made and understood, or not? Before judgment, ask yourself: Is it truly helpful?
I: Is it INSPIRING? As Christians, especially, we should be speaking those words that build up, but any judgments we make should also be aimed at urging one another on to excellence in our service to the Lord. Unfortunately, many of our judgments that we express are nothing more than opinion and do little to nothing towards helping our fellow believers improve their spiritual lives. I know we would all like to hear encouraging words and would like to hear someone urging us on with words of confidence, so why is it we find it so hard to do that for others?
The apostle Paul almost always began his letters to the churches and brethren with positive words, and he was not shy about telling his brethren, “I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren” (Rom. 15:14), and even wrote to the church at Corinth that he had “confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all” (2 Cor. 2:3). In making judgments, consider whether what is said will inspire them to be a better disciple.
N: Is it NECESSARY? Here is where we fail many times in making our judgments known simply because it is our opinion, and not something that needs to be said. Granted, when error is the matter at hand, or matters that could be classified as sinful behavior, it is necessary to correct it and a judgment should be made; from my experience, though, brethren are more likely to be offering their opinion than a Scriptural point of correction or seeking clarification.
What is “necessary” is edifying words (cf. Eph. 4:29); what is ‘necessary’ is speaking God’s word to “Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2). Let us speak those words that are truly necessary.
K: Is it KIND? I learned a long time ago that people are people [even brethren!] and sometimes people, even well-intentioned, don’t say things as nicely as I would prefer. But, I also learned that even when my brethren [or unbelievers, for that matter] may not always say it in the right way, what they say may be true and necessary.
But who among us prefers mean, rude, and pompous talk from others? Let us remember the words of the wise writer on this point: “What is desired in a man is kindness” (Prov. 19:22). You and I and just about every right-minded human being like to hear words of kindness, so if we feel compelled to make judgments, make sure to use kindness in those words.
THINK! — Steven Harper
