“Judge not less be Judged” is one of the most misquoted scriptures within the Bible. Most often this scripture is used by those who are quick to accuse the followers of Jesus regarding issues of cultural sin and iniquity. It is also used often by “Christians” as an excuse for inaction in areas of moral clarity that are clearly defined within the Bible.
The word “Judge” as referred to within Matthew 7:1 comes from the Greek word “Krino”, which describes a private judgmental attitude that tears down others to build oneself up (most often known as legalism). The command, “Judge Not” does not refer to judging in a court of law, nor is it a blanket statement against critical thinking and discernment.
Believers are commanded to be discerning and are required to make certain judgments regarding topics of moral clarity and behavior. We are also commanded to expose fruitless deeds of darkness within the world we live in.
Consider the following carefully...
Ephesians 5:11 states "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of Darkness but rather EXPOSE them"
"Exposing Darkness" involves discernment and judgment...
Also, remember what Paul communicated to the believers of Corinth when it was revealed to him that a man within the church was having a sexual relationship with his stepmother? Paul stated (1 Corinthians 5:1-3):
"It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.”
In both of these examples, discernment by the Holy Spirit is required, righteous judgment is exacted, and the truth of God’s Word is defended.
Jesus even warns the true believers that in the end times, there will be many false profits and teachers who will lead many astray and to watch out for these “ferocious wolves” (Mathew 7:15). Jesus also provided a basis for the faithful to judge the spirit of those teachers for “by their fruit you will know them”.
Discernment from the Holy Spirit to judge what is from God or not is the key, backed by scripture, and done with a spirit of love and reconciliation to that which is in violation of God's Word. Furthermore, it is this exposure to the truth that convicts the soul unto repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and salvation. This judgement is for the benefit of the sinner caught up in sin, for the leader who has strayed from God’s truth, and for a nation desperately needing to repent from its iniquity. It is never done as a means of lifting one’s own ego or building one’s own empire.
The followers of Christ are commanded to be a beacon of light within this dark world. To do so involves the unbridled truth of God's Word. The faithful must realize that the truth will set those free who embrace it, while others who tolerate or defend what God calls an abomination will be offended.
Irrespective, we are to shine our light in such a manner to chase out the darkness and to honor God rather than man.
Most Respectfully & God Bless,
Brother Pete
TODAY's PRAYER: Unbridled TRUTH
