How Judging Others Hurt His Church

[Base12]

Good to see you around @Base12

 

[Heart2Soul]

Lol....nice play on words. What flavor is it? Haha!

 

[Heart2Soul]

I may jump over to your DNA thread...what was the name of it?

 

[Base12]

I may jump over to your DNA thread...what was the name of it?

I'm not sure... lol.

 

[Heart2Soul]

I'm not sure... lol.

Ok I will find it. Thanks.

 

[Prayer Warrior]

I have been studying on unrighteous vs righteous judgment.......this article was written by someone who had a true conviction in their heart about judging others.
It applied to me....how about you?
5 Ways Judgmental Christians Are Killing Your Church - CareyNieuwhof.com
Judged anyone lately?

Sadly, the answer for most of us (including me) is… yes.

From the guy who cut you off in traffic, to the off-beat person who’s not picking up the social cues you’re sending, to your weed-smoking neighbour… it’s so easy to judge. And judgment just gets worse from there. It’s the basis of racism, sexism and almost every other ‘ism’ you can think of.

It’s also fundamentally incompatible with authentic Christian faith.

Jesus said Christians should be known for how deeply we love. Yet studies show that in the eyes of many non-Christians, we’re known for how deeply we judge, not for how deeply we love.

The problem in many cases is not that unchurched people don’t know any Christians. The problem is that they do. And they don’t like us—for good reason.

Christians will argue: well, who’s going to stand up for truth?

Understood.

Yet in Jesus, grace and truth are perfectly fused.

Remove grace from the truth and you don’t actually have truth at all, but a cold, steely imitation. (This is the shadow side of conservatism.)

The opposite is also true, of course. Remove truth from grace and you don’t have grace, but a spineless imitation. (As you’ve already figured out, this is the shadow side of liberalism.)

Fusing grace and truth is an exceptionally difficult venture and is usually only successful when you spend significant amounts of time on your knees and when the source of your attempt is actually Christ himself. I am rarely good at it, flipping from one side to the other too quickly.

But when you see grace and truth fused, it takes your breath away. Why did people travel for days on foot in extreme conditions to meet Jesus? Grace fused to truth is what our hearts most deeply long for.

But in the evangelical church today (and I’m an evangelical), the hard edge of truth has crushed many. And one of the most frequent expressions of loveless truth is found in judgment.

Judgmentalism is incompatible with at least 5 wonderful things. Keep judging, and your church will miss all 5 of these Christian virtues that can advance your church’s mission.

1. LOVE
The presence of judgment almost always guarantees an absence of love.

Think about it through the lens of your marriage, a friendship or even someone you work with: it is virtually impossible to love someone and judge someone at the same time.

But wait, you ask: what if they’re making a mistake and I need to correct them?

First of all, look at your mistakes and the depth of your sin, and deal with your issues first. In the process, you’ll encounter a loving God who forgives you despite your rather egregious sin.

And having been loved, you can love others.

I try to remember this rule: If I’m judging someone, I’m not loving them. You can’t judge someone and love them at the same time.

2. HELP
Ever notice that people who judge almost never help and people who help almost never judge?

That’s because judgment creates a line. The line is labeled “better than” or “smarter than” or “more righteous than” the person who needs help.

Help knows no such line. It just knows how to help.

When Jesus taught on judgment, not only did he tell us not to judge, and to remove the massive timber from our own eye before trying to find the speck of dust in someone else’s eye first, but he then showed us the purpose of removing the speck from someone else’s eye: it’s to help them.

The Christian purpose of stepping into someone else’s world is not to judge someone, but to help them.

If you’re not trying to help, don’t bother. You’ll probably only make it worse.

And if you are trying to help, you’ll likely notice something else has disappeared: any sense of judgment you once carried.

3. HUMILITY
Judgment is never grounded in humility (As in oh my, I’m also a mess. Let’s figure this out together.)

Judgment is grounded in arrogance. That’s because a judgmental person almost always carries with them a sense of condescension (I never get into this kind of situation myself…you should be as good as I am) or a sense of pity (poor, stupid you).

Judgment always says I’m better than you, I know more than you and I’m also superior to you.

No wonder people run from it.

Very few people get judged into life change. Many people get loved into it.

Humility, by contrast, fosters empathy. It says “I’m like you. I get that. Maybe we can help each other.”

Many people would run to that.

4. PRAYER
There’s also a connection between judgment and prayer.

Judging someone and praying for someone are pretty much mutually exclusive.

You can’t pray for someone you judge because you’re actually not for them. Sure, you can pray about them, but again, your prayer won’t be grounded in humility. It might be grounded in anger, or in arrogance, or superiority, but it won’t be grounded in love.

You never truly pray for someone you judge.

Conversely, if you want to stop judging someone, pray for them.

It’s impossible to judge someone and truly pray for them at the same time.

5. EVANGELISM
If you want to kill evangelism at your church, fill your church with judgmental Christians.

People run from people who judge them. They run to people who love them. Think about it; that’s what you do: you run from people who judge you.

When grace and truth are fused, people usually run toward it because the combination of truth and grace describes a reality they’re facing and brings actual hope that things can get better.

God never asked you to judge the world. He did ask you to love it.

Judgment is a terrible evangelism strategy.

A GIANT HYPOCRITE?
But wait, you say, isn’t this entire article just one big piece of judgment? You are a complete hypocrite, you say.

First of all, you’re totally right. You could completely read this as a judgmental invective. And I definitely write it as someone who is part of the problem.

But when it comes to judgment, Paul makes it clear we are NOT to judge the world, but we are to practice discernment in the church.

There is also a distinction (at least in my mind) between judgment and discernment.

This is a very fine line, and I don’t stand on it well at all. This article could be a complete failure in what it sets out to accomplish.

One of the things I struggle within the church today is that we rush to judge outsiders and rarely look in the mirror. That’s the exact opposite of what Paul instructed us to do.

The reality is that people’s lives are plagued by problems. There is an epic battle raging in this life, and people get taken down every day over addictions, failed relationships, misguided beliefs and things that we think will give life, but, in the end, only destroy.

We need to help outsiders because we have been helped. We need to help each other on the inside and thereby better realize our mission.

True judgment is reserved for God. Discernment seeks to help.

Discernment says there is a problem, but lovingly, humbly, prayerfully, empathetically I’d love to help with that.

And guess what? The person on the receiving end of the help senses it. They know when they’re being judged. And they know when they’re being loved and help.

That’s what I hope to do. And that’s what I hope, in the end, this article does. Because I, too, am a judger who is seeking to become a loving helper.

And if this article still strikes you as harsh, remember that Jesus’ harshest words were reserved for arrogant, judgemental leaders inside the faith. At times, we’ve likely all been that insider. I have been anyway. Conversely, Jesus was pretty much never harsh to people outside the faith.

We’d be so much better as a church if we did the same.
By Carey Nieuwhof

Good article. Thanks for posting it.

I have to fight against judging others constantly, and sometimes I lose the fight. I see this as a huge problem in the Church. It seems that Christians often shoot our wounded instead of offering each other the helping hand of mercy, grace, and forbearance....

As I read the article, I was reminded of these two scriptures:

1 Peter 4:8--Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

John 1:14-17--And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

.

 

[FollowHim]

I have been studying on unrighteous vs righteous judgment.......this article was written by someone who had a true conviction in their heart about judging others.
It applied to me....how about you?
5 Ways Judgmental Christians Are Killing Your Church - CareyNieuwhof.com
Judged anyone lately?

I read a book many years ago written about revolutionaries. There idea was to destroy the corrupt society and build a better one from the ground up. When they come to put this into practice, they destroy the society leaving nothing behind. There is nothing left to build up so it never works.

Judgement is the same way. Value is only worthwhile sharing if the outcome is better than the beginning.
If people have no hope, the little they have is better than nothing.

Behind each sinners story is a story of loneliness, hurt and trauma. If we add more trauma you end up with a pile of bricks and no house.
Jesus said good teachers bring figs and grapes, good life food. You will discover everyone knows the failure, they do not know how to stop enslavement.

Jesus described His ministry

20 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope
Matt 12:20-21

 

[Pisteuo]

Judgement is the same way. Value is only worthwhile sharing if the outcome is better than the beginning.

nice!

 

[Preacher4Truth]

The article intends to show by the title that we are not to judge, but instead of this the person writing it comes across as theologically inept.

Reading this from the article, well, it doesn't take one long to figure out it is hypocritical: "Ever notice that people who judge almost never help and people who help almost never judge?"

Seriously?

That right there was in itself judgmental, and silly.

We are to judge, that is Biblical and sound. Even where Matthew 7:1 is often misused, as if we are to never use judgment, the balance of the chapter shows we are to use judgment, and by this we can know wolves, false teachers, false professors &c. More Scriptures than this show us the need for judging.

 

[Heart2Soul]

The article intends to show by the title that we are not to judge, but instead of this the person writing it comes across as theologically inept.

Reading this from the article, well, it doesn't take one long to figure out it is hypocritical: "Ever notice that people who judge almost never help and people who help almost never judge?"

Seriously?

That right there was in itself judgmental, and silly.

We are to judge, that is Biblical and sound. Even where Matthew 7:1 is often misused, as if we are to never use judgment, the balance of the chapter shows we are to use judgment, and by this we can know wolves, false teachers, false professors &c. More Scriptures than this show us the need for judging.

And she admitted that her article may come across as hypocritical since it is a judging in itself.
We are to correct those in error with love...without love it is harmful to the spiritual growth of that person. It could be too much of a burden for them.
Those who are spiritual are to help those who are still growing....we were all babes feeding on the milk at one time. Who was in our lives to help us grow? Someone who was mature and on the meat. Otherwise, you have a child leading a child in ignorance of the Truth.

 

[Heart2Soul]

So the title simply implies we hurt the church when we judge....it is referring to unrighteous judgment of others.

 

[farouk]

The article intends to show by the title that we are not to judge, but instead of this the person writing it comes across as theologically inept.

Reading this from the article, well, it doesn't take one long to figure out it is hypocritical: "Ever notice that people who judge almost never help and people who help almost never judge?"

Seriously?

That right there was in itself judgmental, and silly.

We are to judge, that is Biblical and sound. Even where Matthew 7:1 is often misused, as if we are to never use judgment, the balance of the chapter shows we are to use judgment, and by this we can know wolves, false teachers, false professors &c. More Scriptures than this show us the need for judging.

The word 'judgment' can often be used in the sense of 'discernment'; as in John's First Epistle, 'test the spirits'.

In contrast, fanatical religious people sometimes try to dictate that their views only can hold sway, and fanatical politically minded people think study and universities are for the purpose of imposing whatever the latest political correctness may be.

True discernment, however, from a spiritual perspective, is learning about how to think in a Godly way.

 

[Helen]

So the title simply implies we hurt the church when we judge....it is referring to unrighteous judgment of others.

Good thread.

I just wanted to say that you especially have made a really difference to this Site.
It has come up a notch or two and the 'atmosphere' has changed for the good. With Josho here too... ✟ ♥︎

( Guard your threads from deliberate derailing...lol )

 

[Preacher4Truth]

The word 'judgment' can often be used in the sense of 'discernment'; as in John's First Epistle, 'test the spirits'.

In contrast, fanatical religious people sometimes try to dictate that their views only can hold sway, and fanatical politically minded people think study and universities are for the purpose of imposing whatever the latest political correctness may be.

True discernment, however, from a spiritual perspective, is learning about how to think in a Godly way.

Yes, we are to test the spirits. There are many today claiming God spoke to them personally, audibly, yet, in the light of Scripture their "prophesies" are found false. These are also generally vague, no time table, some sort of super positive something that God is going to do, at some point, never nailed down. If you challenge them they become angry that you do so, and accuse of going against God for not believing them.

I like what Calvin said here concerning this:

“If private revelations agree with Scripture, they are unnecessary, and if they disagree they are false.”

 

[farouk]

Yes, we are to test the spirits. There are many today claiming God spoke to them personally, audibly, yet, in the light of Scripture their "prophesies" are found false. These are also generally vague, no time table, some sort of super positive something that God is going to do, at some point, never nailed down. If you challenge them they become angry that you do so, and accuse of going against God for not believing them.

I like what Calvin said here concerning this:

“If private revelations agree with Scripture, they are unnecessary, and if they disagree they are false.”

Indeed so.

 

[Heart2Soul]

Good thread.

I just wanted to say that you especially have made a really difference to this Site.
It has come up a notch or two and the 'atmosphere' has changed for the good. With Josho here too... ✟ ♥︎

( Guard your threads from deliberate derailing...lol )

Thank you Helen but God gets all the Glory....I have been praying for the forum...and I asked for a hedge of protection from the forces of evil. I also rebuked Satan and his demons and commanded them to leave....I prayed the blood of Jesus over every member and asked the Holy Spirit to bring peace to this place.
God is answering and He is such a good good Father!

 

[amadeus]

A spiritual man or woman is hard to find....you would see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in them as well as the humbleness of Jesus and the love of God.....all characteristics that should be visible for all to see.

All characteristics visible for all to see? That might be the case for all those who have "eyes to see"? Hmmm?

Unbelievers are blind and many believers have poor vision or close their eyes or both. If we all had perfect eyes to see, spiritually, we would not have thousands of church groups [denominations] based on the same Bibles espousing conflicting or even diametrically opposed beliefs and/or doctrines. This verse speaks to a major reason that there is a problem:

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20

If this only occurred in those who were clearly unbelievers, it would be one thing, but it is not such a black and white thing that anyone and everyone can see it. Politicians do this mixing up the difference between good and evil to obtain approval from some who definitely would not approve if they understood the truth. But lots of people, it seems to me, including people in churches and perhaps some on this forum do this because they either do not understand the difference between good and evil; or because their own favored agenda is more important to them than what they understand.

Abraham was searching for Truth. David was searching for Truth. Isn't that what everyone who says that he is a believer in God and Jesus should be doing also today? Jesus who we identify as being the Truth said this:

"And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." John 12:47

Is our purpose equal the purpose of Jesus in this regard?

 

[Heart2Soul]

All characteristics visible for all to see? That might be the case for all those who have "eyes to see"? Hmmm?

Unbelievers are blind and many believers have poor vision or close their eyes or both. If we all had perfect eyes to see, spiritually, we would not have thousands of church groups [denominations] based on the same Bibles espousing conflicting or even diametrically opposed beliefs and/or doctrines. This verse speaks to a major reason that there is a problem:

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20

If this only occurred in those who were clearly unbelievers, it would be one thing, but it is not such a black and white thing that anyone and everyone can see it. Politicians do this mixing up the difference between good and evil to obtain approval from some who definitely not approve if they understood the truth. But lots of people, it seems to me, including people in churches and perhaps some on this forum do this because they either do not understand the difference between good and evil; or because their own favored agenda is more important to them than what they understand.

Abraham was searching for Truth. David was searching for Truth. Isn't that what everyone who says that he is a believer in God and Jesus should be doing also today? Jesus who we identify as being the Truth said this:

"And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." John 12:47

Is our purpose equal the purpose of Jesus in this regard?

Not on a forum for sure! That's the only downside of it....it's hard to see the intent of a members heart when posting.
That's why I have come to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit before I comment....or I will leave the forum to go pray when I am starting to speak out of anger or strife.

 

[Renniks]

N

God appoints kings and rulers....those who serve under them I am not sure....but I agree the enemy is in the midst of it...Government is an entity for the antichrist to set up his agenda....but why fret?? God's Word prophesied these last days to come.
But nevertheless we must pray for them....even our enemies.

Not everyone in government is the enemy of God. Many are there trying to do good.

 

[Heart2Soul]

N

Not everyone in government is the enemy of God. Many are there trying to do good.

Well it's not meant to say everyone...what is the real mystery is that satan is using government against us to manifest his evils....for example....it only took 1 person to change the laws on abortion in Roe v Wade....it only took 1 person to get the Supreme Court to rule in her favor and ban prayer in schools...Madeline O'Hare....(I am specifically referring to U.S. laws) and from there it started becoming more liberal as the years went by.