What are your thoughts on judging others?

[MatthewG]

Do you believe you have a certain right and merit to judge other people?

In todays world, it is leaned toward the judgement of the world at large, but why is that?

What did Jesus even say about this topic? Has not the judgement came into the world when He had came?

9 Nicodemus answered and said to him, `How are these things able to happen?'

10 Jesus answered and said to him, `Thou art the teacher of Israel -- and these things thou dost not know!

11 `Verily, verily, I say to thee -- What we have known we speak, and what we have seen we testify, and our testimony ye do not receive;

12 if the earthly things I said to you, and ye do not believe, how, if I shall say to you the heavenly things, will ye believe?

13 and no one hath gone up to the heaven, except he who out of the heaven came down -- the Son of Man who is in the heaven.

14 `And as Moses did lift up the serpent in the wilderness, so it behoveth the Son of Man to be lifted up,

15 that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during,

16 for God did so love the world, that His Son -- the only begotten -- He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during.

17 For God did not send His Son to the world that he may judge the world, but that the world may be saved through him;

18 he who is believing in him is not judged, but he who is not believing hath been judged already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 `And this is the judgment, that the light hath come to the world, and men did love the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil;

20 for every one who is doing wicked things hateth the light, and doth not come unto the light, that his works may not be detected;

In verse 17 -> God did not send His Son to the world that he may judge the world, but that the world may be saved through him? - He who is believing in Him is not judged, but he who is not believing has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten the son.

Verse 19 -> And this - is the judgement - that light has come to the world, and men did love the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil;

for every one who is doing wicked things hates the light, and does not come to the light, that his works may not be detected.

 

[bluedragon]

Everyone is judged from birth until death.

Everyone judge's others along the way.

I've managed staff's of 7 to 199. I've hired and fired along the way. My decision's are judgments. How can they be avoided?

 

[MatthewG]

Hello Bluedragon,

You brought up a good point for me to define what is meant by the word judgement.

You are right we all make judgements, as you explain.

The judgement being talked about is condemning other people - whether they believe or do not believe in Jesus Christ, or have differing outlooks and perspectives on the Christian narrative - in context of studying the Bible as many people are in different areas of their understanding, and there are different measures of faith.

 

[bluedragon]

I've grown to the point that I stray from that decision. I've figured out that it's God's decision and not mine to make.

 

[MatthewG]

Hey bluedragon, right there with you brother.

Here is another question : Did Jesus ever judge people by the flesh? - or was it the heart that he did discern and judge, and that would be why the word of God is sharper than a two-edge sword?

 

[bluedragon]

I believe that as the Christ, Jesus knew not to judge because that person could change his/her heart and follow the message. For example, did the woman stop adultery when he told her to go and sin no more? Will she be in heaven when we arrive? Or does she melt back into a sinful nature and lose belief? Remember, Jesus has not died on the cross and has not risen from the grave ....does she follow him and experience the miracle or go back to where she was before Jesus stepped in and stopped the crowd?

Based on scripture, Jesus did not judge those who crucified him. Who more to judge than the person about to end your life? "Father forgive them because they know not what they do." I can think of no better way to describe the thoughts of Jesus based on his display of judgment at that moment. He makes no statement about the thief that taunts and ridicules him. Instead he directs his attention toward the thief that accepts as Lord.

He has his moments .... throwing down the money tables in the Temple ....Would it have been better to let them continue to desecrate his Father's house? I believe he knew his Father's will and acted accordingly.

Man, we could waffle about this all day can't we?

 

[MatthewG]

Blue dragon you made some great points thank you.

 

[Windmill Charge]

Look at that highly amusing tale of the man trying to remove a speck from anothers eye with a whole tree growing out of his own eye.

The point is simple don't judge minor faults in others when you have the same fault only magnified many, many times.

We can make judgements, just be prepared to be judged by the same standards you've used!

 

[Taken]

What are your thoughts on judging others?
OP ^

Judging occurs all day long, according to ones Authority.

Authority over something/someone else, is established by appointment, rank and circumstance.

The one with Authority is “supposed” to make “JUST” judgements regarding the one under their “charge/care”.
A parent, an established teacher, a boss, caretaker, etc...

Making an JUST Authoritative Judgement is according to the established “extent or limits” of the Authority.

And no doubt, “many” without Authority, have tendencies to “appoint” themselves with “pseudo” authority, over things and people.

And no doubt, “many” with appointed “limited” Authority, “overstep” the bounds of their “limited” Authority, which is UNJUST.

Sure, People have Authority to Judge other things and people.
Yes, People who “UNJUSTLY” exercise their Authority, will themselves find themselves, and complain about being “UNJUSTLY” Judged.

 

[Taken]

I had 5 simple Rules, when my children were toddlers and growing to young children.
Every Day;
1) Eat
2) Sleep
3) Work
4) Play
5) Pray
Simple consequence. Skip one this day. Tomorrow you will skip another on the list.

Every day, each child would be observed “doing”, acknowledged, complimented, or rewarded on their manner of doing those things.
They developed a habit of talking to me about those things, telling me the manner they accomplished those things.
As each became teens, maturing, they each were given paper and pen to add more specific Rules, to themselves specific. They were adding Rules and Responsibilities and with a few exceptions and Consequences.

Actually rather impressed with their own lists. More strict, then I would have initially made.

Point being, I remained the Authoritative Parent, to hold them to the Rules and Consequences. Yet never a dispute or complaining or Excuses for them to wander off deflecting and whining about “Unjust” Rules. (Boo boo me, but, but, Billy got to do this or that.)

They break a rule, simple, hand them their Paper List, “ask” them their “consequence”... and get to getting. I want to observe you fulfilling your consequence and compliment you on your Upstanding-ness.

Just sharing; Having several children, all in close age range, male and female, one profoundly deaf; using this simple method; was an absolute joy raising our kids in harmony rather than a chaotic, unsure, wondering from moment to moment what will the “rule” be.

Judging others?
My Perspective is: First ...Teach a child HOW TO Judge themselves.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[Jay Ross]

My Perspective is: First ...Teach a child HOW TO Judge themselves.

The problem is that many do not know how to ensure whether what they are doing or writing is justifiable or whether it can be judged to be contextually correct in keeping with the source on what is acceptable or whether it is just plum wrong in every sense.

Sadly when you read a book, you are judging in your own mind whether the author has any substance to make the claims that he does. The problem is does the reader have the tools to actually judge what another has written as to whether the discourse is actual true and correct in its presentation on the subject matter.

 

[MatthewG]

Windmill do you mean this parable?


““Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:1-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

[MatthewG]

@Taken, aside from those who actual have world authority such as Cops, and Judges at law, and supervisor and perhaps the father role you shared and also judging oneself which is a good thing to do I agree.

Do you believe people have spiritual authority over individuals?

How would one justify making demands of another person in the spiritual sense and where does this suppose authority come from?

Is not God the judge of the heart?

Proverbs 21:2-3 reads as follows: A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.

 

[Taken]

@Taken, aside from those who actual have world authority such as Cops, and Judges at law, and supervisor and perhaps the father role you shared and also judging oneself which is a good thing to do I agree.

Do you believe people have spiritual authority over individuals?

Yes.

How would one justify making demands of another person in the spiritual sense and where does this suppose authority come from?

God has given a Parent/Guardian Spiritual Authority over a Child.
God has given the Head Male of a Household, Clan, Authority over the Household, Clan.

Adults who leave the Household, Clan, can pick and chose their own Spiritual Authority...
Continue reliance on the Male Head, God, Christ, A Preacher, A Witch...
Etc. whomever they choose.

Is not God the judge of the heart?

Yes. God Judges men’s choices, behaviors, and beliefs.
Yes. Men Judge men’s choices, behaviors.
Yes. Men may give rewards or negative consequences for men’s choices and behaviors.
Yes. God has positive and negative consequences for mens choices.
Yes. God has positive and negative consequences for mens behaviors.
Yes. God has positive and negative consequences for men’s beliefs.
Yes. God sees and knows all mens choices and behaviors.
Yes. God sees and knows the true beliefs in all mens hearts.

Proverbs 21:2-3

reads as follows: A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.

Correct.

 

[PinSeeker]

The context of our being forbidden to judge is that we are not to condemn. The citation of Jesus's teaching not to judge others (lest we will be judged), is in that sense; we could certainly say, "Do not pronounce judgment on others, lest judgment will be pronounced upon you."

Two things about this:
1. In that very passage, Jesus later says, "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs." Well, implicit in this statement is that we are to make our own judgments about who these "dogs" and "pigs" are and not, in the words of Psalm 1, stand in the way of sit in the same seat as they. We have to make internal judgments about others to do ~ or not do ~ what they are doing.

2. We cannot judge in the sense of condemnation or damnation anyway, even if we presumed to do so. Only God can do that. And He will, both now (in the sense of sending judgment instead of blessing upon people) and ultimately (in separating the wheat from the tares in the final Judgment at the end of the age). For us to even attempt to do so is to sit in the seat that only God, the righteous Judge, occupies.

Grace and peace to you, Matthew.

 

[bluedragon]

MathewG

I think I've got a supreme example. I was thinking about this when inspecting a house this morning.

Obviously, my Christian faith spells out the thoughts concerning same sex marriage and relationships. I've got numerous friends that are gay and involved in same sex marriages. In spite of my opinion based on my religious beliefs, I choose not to judge any of those friends. I prefer to use my actions as a Christian to be a guide post on what God's preference should be, not mine. This is his command and his judgment involved. As a Christian, I am called upon to love them and care for them as I am able. All of those friends have attended multiple Productions at our church to hear my wife and I sing. Case in point ....

Our Back Judge on our football Officiating Football Crew is a lesbian. Sharon is an example of a girl you would want to be your sister, cute as a button .... but batting for the other side. I had opportunities to sit with her and talk about her life. She brought the subject up, not me. We were an hour early for a football game and were sitting in the locker room waiting for the crew. She asked what I thought about her relationship. I countered with "When did you realize men were not what you desired?" She explained while dating in High School. "I would come home and want to vomit. I couldn't stand kissing or being touched by boys." I joked, "You were with the wrong boys." She replied "I found comfort with other girls." I shot back "Any man would try to tell you they could convert you. But I doubt they could. That is situation you are challenged with. You've been to church, know the stories and know how the church feels, however, you are in a unique situation here and we realize there is a side to you that desires, at least in part, what the church has to offer in the way of salvation. I think you stunned this crew when you asked us to pray before going out to the field for each game. This crew is made up of A pastor, an atheist, a Jew, a Lesbian and four followers of Christ, to have one person request prayer before each game was astounding. You've sat through the windshield discussions on the Bible when traveling for two hours to the games. We have you captive for four hours on those trips round trip.

I can't decide for you. I can only pray and treat you as if you were one of my own. It's not my place to judge.

She was on the crew selected to officiate the Doug Flutie Foundation Flag Football Game the day before the Super Bowl. All present and past NFL Football Players. Standing in the VIP Tent before the game, she leaned over and said "These guys are not much bigger than the High School players we see each week." I said "They are bigger, stronger and faster than what we see each week ...play ten yards further back than normal. One seam and you'll see how fast they are and we are playing in sand on the beach." Flutie hit a receiver from the Patriots and he flew by Sharon as if she were not there. She looked over and said "Is ten more yards enough?" I replied "And to think, that was on sand!" Flutie came over later in the game and told me to play it up for cameras as if we were arguing about the spot on a pass catch. Mid sentence, I suddenly said "You are lot shorter than I thought you were." Laughing he replied "as if I never heard that before." Fun game. Not serious football.

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

Do you believe you have a certain right and merit to judge other people?

In todays world, it is leaned toward the judgement of the world at large, but why is that?

What did Jesus even say about this topic? Has not the judgement came into the world when He had came?



In verse 17 -> God did not send His Son to the world that he may judge the world, but that the world may be saved through him? - He who is believing in Him is not judged, but he who is not believing has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten the son.

Verse 19 -> And this - is the judgement - that light has come to the world, and men did love the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil;

for every one who is doing wicked things hates the light, and does not come to the light, that his works may not be detected.

Judge not UNLESS you are willing to be judged by the same measures that you judge. Don't be a hypocrite.
Jesus says, "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!
We can judge our children and correct them; that is the job of a parent. Hopefully we don't do the things we tell them not to, then we are hypocrites. With judgment comes correction and sometimes punishment.
It is almost a natural tendency to notice what is wrong about something and try to correct it, speak out, "Hey, what the heck are you doing that for?" "That is wrong" ... "You shouldn't do that" or "This is how you should do it." We do this at work - we have to. We strive for perfection, strive to remove obstacles, errors and learn from our mistates.
Convicting others of their wrong doings is fair but we have to be careful about the punishment. Criminals are first convicted, then put on trial - unless they confess and when a verdict of guilty is charged, then punishment comes. We tend to want to skip through all that and jumo to the mob mentality and go directly to punishment before we know the whole truth.
So I like to think that I do not judge, I convict. I do not punish ... well maybe I do, verbally or I'll just ignore the person and avoid them - if they are not willing to change. I guess that is a form of punishment. But I am willing to be judged in the same way and I think Jesus gives us that opportunity. It is also our responsibility to know the difference between good and evil and discern them and inform others when they are out of line, sinning - we have to.
Punishment is up to God and/or the courts. Mercy and forgiveness is what Jesus wants us to have. He took the punishment for our sins and He isbthe ultimate jusge at thw wnd of the day. Still we are vessels of His work. He designed governments with laws and police to enact His restraint over evil. We participate in many levels. The Holy Spirit promps us to intervene at times.
How else does iron sharpen iron.
We can learn from our mistakes.
Correction is part of training and growth in any field. Just be willing to take what you dish out and don't be a hypocrite.

 

[MatthewG]

Thank you all for chiming in your perception of what you see on the subject of not judging others.

For me, there are certain aspects of life that are judged. Such as the actions of others, what they may do be it bad or good. However when it comes to needing to tell the truth about something it is known for me to share what has been known the truth to me to whoever it may be. However when it comes to spiritual judgement there is no way that it is possible to judge someone on their basis of faith because to me I do not know their heart. No doubt is Jesus the way, the truth, and the way to have access to the Father. And by faith in Him all have access to the Father through One Spirit.

Jesus said you can tell people apart by their fruit
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.