The next few blog entries will address questions we didn't get to cover on Q&A Day. To see what WAS covered, check out the sermon section on this website! First up:

Is there ever a time to JUDGE another?

“Judging” is often misunderstood and way overused.

A lot of the misuse comes from a misunderstanding of a popular Bible passage. What do I mean by popular? Even unbelievers like to (inappropriately, and often wrongly) “quote” this one!

Matthew 7:1-5 - Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 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.

People often miss the point: Jesus said we must not judge hypocritically. Examine yourself first before you point out someone else’s problem.

But what about judging in general?

Here’s the deal: we always judge actions, but we never judge people.

See the difference?

Judging actions: What you are doing is sinful. You need to stop doing that.

Nothing is said about the person, the person’s actions are what is in focus.

Judging people: You are a terrible person. You deserve to be judged because you are so bad.

There the person is in focus. Judgment is being passed on the person. That is never OK.

The problem lies when we point out sin in someone, and they hit you with You’re judging me! The Bible says don’t judge!

As if that is the trump card that says you don’t ever have the right to point out sin.

Incorrect. We can, we must, because God has already declared his truth in light of obvious sin.

But don’t be pointing it out in others if you aren’t dealing with it yourself. Don’t judge hypocritically.