I recently heard from someone in the Luis Palau Organization (www.palau.org) that the number one verse quoted in American public life has recently changed from John 3:16 “For God so loved the world….” to a verse about judging “judge not and you shall not be judged“. What is it that is causing John Q Public to choose a verse about Judging instead of God’s love on their tongue? Could it be that we, as Christians, have been guilty of coming across as way too focused on put-downs, personal opinions, and reflex “knee-jerk” reactions and have failed to show humility in our communication. Could we be unintentionally or even subconsciously pushing people from experiencing the love of God in their lives because of our judgmental attitudes? Maybe that is what makes Principle # 4 of Jesus Relationship Principles “As you judge, you will be judged” so important for us. Of course the main verse is Matthew 7:1-2 “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”.
1.) The False Idea of Judgment
The popular but false interpretation of that verse is “You live your life, and I’ll live mine, I won’t say anything about your life, and you don’t say anything about mine”. Not being judgmental does NOT mean laking discernment and it does NOT mean distancing ourselves or becoming indifferent. Jesus modeled involvement NOT indifference. The opposite of LOVE is not Hate, but indifference. Jesus wants us to be discerning, but his warning is how we deal with people’s thoughts and motives. We have trouble enough judging our own motives. We had better be very careful making snap judgments or categorical conclusions about someone else’s intents. Instead of making a judgment and concluding that someone is unworthy of God’s love, we are to include everyone in the umbrella of God’s ever-reaching heart. Don’t ever judge people as unworthy of God’s love.
2.) The Proper Idea of Judgment
We can judge fruit (actions), but NOT hearts (motives). We can’t judge what’s in people hearts, but we can observe the “fruit” of their behavior. A life that’s dedicated to Christ will inevitably produce good fruit, whereas a sinful life will inevitably produce bad fruit. “You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-20). A servant of God will bring encouragement, grace, and love to all those in his or her life. Somebody who exhibits none of those qualities can’t be truly following Christ. Jesus helps us see the importance of seeing people’s behavior by the way he modeled judgement.
3.) The Proper Place of Judgment… in Relationship:
To be more accurate this type of judgment we must avoid is unrighteous judgement and judging the world. Jesus is talking about Christians judging those who are not of the faith–that type of judgment is for God alone. When it comes to judging those of the faith, we are to judge one another in love, holding each other accountable for Godly conduct and righteous living as we are to be the light of the World not not walk in darkness. Therefore, we are to discern and judge one other (but never become judgmental). A statement from Jesus and the Apostle Paul…
15″If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matt 18:15-17 This is practical relationship advice, it works!
or “ 9I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral… In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brotherbut is sexually immoral… With such a man do not even eat. 12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you. (so that he will be saved) “ 1 Cor 5; 9-13… It worked in the church in Corinth and the brother came back to Jesus! It works today in relationships too.
4.) The Proper Approach to Non-Judgmental Judgment. The 3 things we will be dealing with this week. Hypocrisy, Integrity, and Mercy. These are the critical attitudes and items of the heart we must deal with around the judgement topic. We will tear into them in more detail soon.
Today, Lord, make me like you in non-judgmental, yet discerning. Love through me.
____________Links___________
1.) Audio version of the book for todays devotions: http://CapitalVision.org/?page_id=292
2.) Church website for all kinds of helpful 40 Days of Love items (Memory Verses, Lessons, Sermons, Etc) : www.capitalvision.org
3.) To Purchase the book: http://www.amazon.com/Relationship-Principles-Jesus-Tom-Holladay/dp/0310283671/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266891255&sr=8-1
4.) NEW Facebook Application for CVCC: http://apps.facebook.com/capitalvision
40 Days of Love – Day 22 (Judging)
40 Days of Love – Day 22 (Judging)
I recently heard from someone in the Luis Palau Organization (www.palau.org) that the number one verse quoted in American public life has recently changed from John 3:16 “For God so loved the world….” to a verse about judging “judge not and you shall not be judged“. What is it that is causing John Q Public to choose a verse about Judging instead of God’s love on their tongue? Could it be that we, as Christians, have been guilty of coming across as way too focused on put-downs, personal opinions, and reflex “knee-jerk” reactions and have failed to show humility in our communication. Could we be unintentionally or even subconsciously pushing people from experiencing the love of God in their lives because of our judgmental attitudes? Maybe that is what makes Principle # 4 of Jesus Relationship Principles “As you judge, you will be judged” so important for us. Of course the main verse is Matthew 7:1-2 “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”.
1.) The False Idea of Judgment
The popular but false interpretation of that verse is “You live your life, and I’ll live mine, I won’t say anything about your life, and you don’t say anything about mine”. Not being judgmental does NOT mean laking discernment and it does NOT mean distancing ourselves or becoming indifferent. Jesus modeled involvement NOT indifference. The opposite of LOVE is not Hate, but indifference. Jesus wants us to be discerning, but his warning is how we deal with people’s thoughts and motives. We have trouble enough judging our own motives. We had better be very careful making snap judgments or categorical conclusions about someone else’s intents. Instead of making a judgment and concluding that someone is unworthy of God’s love, we are to include everyone in the umbrella of God’s ever-reaching heart. Don’t ever judge people as unworthy of God’s love.
2.) The Proper Idea of Judgment
We can judge fruit (actions), but NOT hearts (motives). We can’t judge what’s in people hearts, but we can observe the “fruit” of their behavior. A life that’s dedicated to Christ will inevitably produce good fruit, whereas a sinful life will inevitably produce bad fruit. “You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-20). A servant of God will bring encouragement, grace, and love to all those in his or her life. Somebody who exhibits none of those qualities can’t be truly following Christ. Jesus helps us see the importance of seeing people’s behavior by the way he modeled judgement.
3.) The Proper Place of Judgment… in Relationship:
To be more accurate this type of judgment we must avoid is unrighteous judgement and judging the world. Jesus is talking about Christians judging those who are not of the faith–that type of judgment is for God alone. When it comes to judging those of the faith, we are to judge one another in love, holding each other accountable for Godly conduct and righteous living as we are to be the light of the World not not walk in darkness. Therefore, we are to discern and judge one other (but never become judgmental). A statement from Jesus and the Apostle Paul…
15″If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matt 18:15-17 This is practical relationship advice, it works!
or “ 9I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral… In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral… With such a man do not even eat. 12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you. (so that he will be saved) “ 1 Cor 5; 9-13… It worked in the church in Corinth and the brother came back to Jesus! It works today in relationships too.
4.) The Proper Approach to Non-Judgmental Judgment. The 3 things we will be dealing with this week. Hypocrisy, Integrity, and Mercy. These are the critical attitudes and items of the heart we must deal with around the judgement topic. We will tear into them in more detail soon.
Today, Lord, make me like you in non-judgmental, yet discerning. Love through me.
____________Links___________
1.) Audio version of the book for todays devotions: http://CapitalVision.org/?page_id=292
2.) Church website for all kinds of helpful 40 Days of Love items (Memory Verses, Lessons, Sermons, Etc) : www.capitalvision.org
3.) To Purchase the book: http://www.amazon.com/Relationship-Principles-Jesus-Tom-Holladay/dp/0310283671/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266891255&sr=8-1
4.) NEW Facebook Application for CVCC: http://apps.facebook.com/capitalvision