So lets discuss Judgement vs. Discernment. The Bible teaches us not to judge. It instructs that judgement is reserved for God. Discernment is seeking God’s desire in a situation. Seeking the true nature of something. For example to discern good vs. evil. It is very different but often confused in Christian enthusiasm. Sometimes Christians feel too righteous in their beliefs. Like they are themselves untouchable. This arrogance is a recipe for failure.
Christians vs. Christianity
Compassion for the Sinner
Christians vs. Christianity
Well today I am writing on a disturbing topic. And I will definitely ruffle some feathers here. I have recently noticed that often it is the Christians themselves who discourage participation in Christianity. They have discouraged the very people who we should be reaching out to. We should be bringing into the Body of Christ.
Is the Sinner Not Worthy?
Sometimes the “Christians” don’t think that certain individuals deserve participation. Perhaps they don’t live up to the illusion of what they think a Christian should be. There is a certain perception or reputation that may be at stake in the community. So these individuals may reflect badly on the Church’s image or reputation.
But I ask you is this really what Christianity is about? Do we only have a congregation open to those who act the right way or talk the right way. And do we remove everyone else? Or is this really about saving the nonbeliever? Nurturing a seed that is planted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Where is the Compassion?
Jesus demonstrates his compassion for the sinner in John 8 where he rescues the adulteress who is about to be stoned to death under the law of Moses. He quietly writes in the soft earth as he tells them he who has no sin cast the first stone. We do not know for sure what he is writing but we can assume he is showing man his own sin. And there was not a one who cast a stone but all silently removed themselves. Then when all had left he tells her he would not condemn her. He responds with mercy and with love not with judgement. This is a lesson for us all…
John 8: 1-11 (KJV)
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Jesus Reprimands the Church
Jesus spoke to the masses warning about those who do not lead by example. He warned about those who said one thing but did another. Held themselves out to be one thing but it was for an image. They liked the attention, the reverence and the respect. But they did not lift a finger to help and what was truth in their hearts?
As is demonstrated in Matthew 23 Jesus had harsh words but only for the people of faith. People of faith who got caught up in their arrogance and their own righteousness were clearly put in their place.
Public Condemnation
And today we see this also in the judgement of others. As we judge someone on an issue in public condemning their behavior. But silent self indulgence behind closed doors. Or condemn someone for something we ourselves have done, out of our own fear of being judged. Perhaps judged harshly if our own past behavior ever came to light. This does not foster an environment of love and forgiveness. Yet it is so common place. Such harsh lessons to be learned here. We must learn if we are to be successful in relaying a message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Love and Truth
Jesus rarely uttered a harsh word to those outside the faith. In contrast he taught compassionately and kindly with the message of love and truth. Something Christians today could use more of in their message to the unbeliever. And in their dealings amongst themselves.
We are all a work in progress so we need to remember that and humble ourselves.
Blocking Their Path
Unfortunately, the unbeliever has not resulted because they do not know Christians in the world. But more commonly it is because they do. They have seen the harsh judgmental side of the coin without the love and compassion that was Jesus’ intent. This has pushed more away than it has brought to salvation. There is a lesson for Christians to learn here…
Matthew 23: 1-7 (KJV)
1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi
Christians Need Humility
Christians need humility, you can not judge others and remain humble. If you are judging them you are not reaching for them, trying to help them or save them. You have already condemned them without a thought to who they could become. With judgement comes a sense of superiority. The Bible does not teach us that as a Christian we are superior. In fact, it teaches us that we are all children of God. It teaches us we are all the same, sinners in need of a Savior. How can you say that your sin is any better than the one you are judging. We know that the only one without sin is Jesus.
Jesus Teaches Love and Grace
Christians vs. Christianity
Representing Jesus
One does not have to condone a behavior to love someone. The Bible teaches Love and Grace, not condemnation by Christians. As Christians we are held to a higher standard. We are representing Jesus in the world. Sometimes we lose sight of that in our own thoughts and feelings about things. We can be swept up in the battle or in emotions and lose sight of the big picture. The ultimate goal here is to introduce Jesus to the world. Does he really want an introduction in cold harsh judgement without compassion or love?
Embrace The Sinner Not The Sin
Yes, there are rules of behavior. Yes, there are Biblical principles that must be observed in order to be true to what the Bible teaches. But one does not have to embrace the behavior in sin, to embrace a sinner in love. One does not have to agree that the sin is ok. One merely has to kindly and compassionately relay the message of salvation. Communicate the message of love and hope.
There will be resistance to the message. And there will even be humiliation thrown your way. But the path is not meant to be easy. So lift your head up, put your shoulders back and continue on. Because that is what the Bible tells you to do. Obedient continuance as is required.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Take A Look In The Mirror
It is time for more Christians to take a close look in the mirror. How can you judge someone else if you are looking closely at your own sin. In fact, keeping your own sin in mind will make you more compassionate towards someone else. We know that stuff happens to all of us. We are tempted in moments of weakness. And we fall down and get back up. We brush ourselves off and get back on the path.
As Christians we have the confidence that we are never alone. We are supported with the promise that we are held up by God’s victorious right hand. So the path can be safer and easier for us. There are those who stumble. Trampled under the foot of the enemy. Slowly devoured by the enemy all alone Sharing God’s protection with them is important. And without that promise, without that help they will suffer.
Love in Empathy
Christians more realistically need a different view. Recognize we are all sinners. Yes, I have been where you are in one way or another. I understand, I get it so let me share with you what I have learned. Let me show you the way, the truth and light that is Jesus. There is truth in understanding. There is love and empathy that needs to be a part of the message. So how can we as Christianity teach the Christians to love and not to judge…
Judgement And Discernment
Christians vs. Christianity
Matthew 7:3-5 (KJV)
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.
Judge Not
When Christians judge others we do not help them. Isn’t God’s message to share salvation with all the world. I don’t remember reading that we are only to share the message of salvation with those we approve of. Or only with those who’s behavior meets our own criteria. I don’t remember reading that condemnation of sinners is part of the message of salvation. Perhaps condemnation of sin but not of the sinner.
Yes, there are many things in the world that make us so angry, that are unbelievable to a reasonable mind. Turning a blind eye to the cause of the sin, to the real enemy who is pulling the puppet strings is not correct. Don’t we all deserve the same compassion. Deserve the same consideration. And a chance for salvation?
Matthew 7:1- KJV
1 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.
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Discernment is Not Judgement
In the Sermon on the mount Jesus teaches us the difference between judgement and discernment. In Matthew 7 verse 6 he shows us that we must be able to discern the “dogs” and the “swine”. So as not to give that which is holy to them. The references in scripture by Jesus to the “dogs” and “swine” appear to be representative of those who ridicule, refuse and blaspheme the Gospel. There would be no point in continuing to subject oneself and those around you to this hostile response
But in this same sermon Jesus addresses the hypocrisy of judgement and defines discernment. We as Christians are tasked with discerning the intent of the listener when sharing the message. Jesus is also clear about self assessment concerning our own sin.
Don’t Force The Message
We are warned not to continue to share the Gospel to an audience who is not receptive to the content. You do not share the message with someone who does not want to hear it. We do not force the message. Jesus instructed what to do if the audience did not want to hear the message. Just shake the dust off your feet and go elsewhere. Hence, do not cast your pearls before swine.
So even here Christians do not judge merely discern who we should be sharing the message with. Judgement is reserved for God alone. There may come a time when even the “swine” of today become the believers of tomorrow. Only God will mold the clay of who we will become if we are receptive to his plan. We are not all receptive today but we may be receptive tomorrow.
So to my Christians in fellowship put your personal feelings aside and Please Do No Harm…
For the Love of God,
Sparks
