Judging Others

 

Most Christians are familiar with the words of our Lord Jesus who said: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” The context for His statement came near the end of His noted speech to His Disciples and the multitudes that is referred to as His Sermon on the Mount : “The Beatitudes”. (Matthew Chapters Five through Seven)  In further guidance, the Lord added: “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged…” (Matthew 7: 1-2)  He was pointing out the hypocrisy of being critical of the behavior of others without first examining themselves for possibly even greater flaws, with the knowledge that one day they would also be judged.

This message was directed to both those who followed Him as disciples, and the many who were curious about Him because of His reputation of having healed many.  The latter group might have been indifferent about the Lord’s teaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom, but both groups needed to hear God’s principles. (Matthew 7: 28-29)

In what might seem to be a somewhat contradictory message, the Apostle Paul wrote to the newly formed church at Corinth on the matter of judging others.  The issue of commonly known fornication by a member of the church had been brought to the Apostle’s attention. He in turn was writing to advise the church in dealing with that issue and the person involved. After chastising the members of the church for their failing to confront the person involved, the Apostle wrote: “For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed…” (1 Corinthians 5: 1-3) (Emphasis added). [Note the Apostle’s emphasis that he had already judged the person.]

As Paul’s letter continued, he pointed out that the behavior in question was very egregious and brought discredit upon the church and the principles taught by the Ascended Lord Jesus Christ. The offending member of their congregation had to be removed immediately. (1 Corinthians 5: 4-13). Also, very importantly, the Apostle made a distinction between the responsibility that fell on the members of the church to judge such offensive actions within their congregation, while leaving the judgment of those in the outside world to God.

 

While discussing this scripture, one of my teachers highlighted some language in the next chapter of this letter to the Corinthians, that should be particularly important to Christians. (1 Corinthians Chapter Six)  In that text, Paul questioned why the church members would resort to turning to secular legal authorities when they had grievances between themselves, rather than addressing their issues within their own Christian community.  That series of verses is important enough that I want to cite them here, because I wonder how many Christians were aware of what they say in 1 Corinthians 6: 1-4:

“Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

² Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

³ Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

⁴ If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.”

I highlighted certain elements of these verses because of their relevance to Christian believers not only in this earthly phase of our lives, but also in what lies ahead. In addition to guiding Christians to helping each other, there is an emphasis on the process. 

By helping to judge others in the small matters in this world, believers are better preparing themselves for the future roles that our Lord Jesus has in store for them when they join Him. Note also that the scripture enhances the role of the “common man” in the process of making judgments…not relying on the highly trained professionals we generally regard as most capable, such as attorneys and court judges. God sees and trusts the hearts of men…not trusting the outward appearances that so many have come to value.

Interestingly enough, that process was to be the foundation for what we have come to call “trials by a jury of our peers”. Unfortunately for us today, the Enemy has corrupted this process and the minds of men such that what we call “law and justice” has little resemblance to God’s standards.

Dr. W. A. Robinson