“For what business do I have judging outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside? But those who are outside, G-d judges. Put away the wicked fellow from among yourselves.”

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 TLV

I’ve written several blogs in the past about judgement and being judgmental; but it wasn’t until today that a light clicked for me. It was almost as if I felt validated deep within my soul – not TO judge, mind you, but rather, a deep validation that the harsh, critical judgement I hear by so many in the “church” today is just plain wrong. What I am about to say is controversial and that’s ok – I’m not completely sure I’ve fully processed my thoughts on the matter. 

The Bible does say that Christians should judge – but, they should ONLY judge other Christians, other like minded believers that share faith; they should NOT JUDGE others who are outside of their beliefs or faith.

Wait a second…. For YEARS I’ve heard Pastors and Christian leaders point to various celebrities, politicians, or leaders and openly judge them. I’ve even heard Pastors stand in judgment against other pastors who are other denominations. This type of stance is NOT the Biblical model. Rather, it is destructive and divisive. 

The Bible is clear – Christians should be identified by their love of and for one another – not their judgement (John 13:35). If I am in a relationship with a fellow Believer and they are in sin, there is a Biblical model to address that. But to the non-believer, to the one who does not share my faith, judgement is not my place, and it is not yours. 

This is a paradigm shift for me and so many thoughts are flying through my head at once that it’s hard to focus. And perhaps it’s one of those controversial things I should just keep to myself, but I am propelled to speak and say something, especially to those of you who have been been judged wrongly and harshly by the church, please forgive me. I am sorry we have let you down and shown you judgement, not love. My fellow Believers, may we spend our energy loving one another and the world around us and leave the judgement to the only Righteous Judge there is. 

Father – forgive me where I place myself in judgment, especially against those who have hurt me and my family so deeply. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.

Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 5-8

November 30, 2022