To Judge or Not to Judge, That is the Question.

I don’t know how many times I have heard the life long debate; to judge or not to judge. It seems the bible contradicts itself on this one, but does it really? One moment God is commanding us to judge and the next He is saying if we do, we too will be judged. So which is it?

JUDGE AND JURY

The Greek definition for the word judge is “krínō” which means to separate (pick out) or come to a choice (decision) by making a judgment – either positive (approve, a verdict in favor of) or negative (which rejects or condemns). It typically refers to making a determination of right or wrong (innocence or guilt), especially on an official (legal) standard.

So it seems to me that the word Judge has some legal implications. The word judge is referring to a legal procedure where we basically are the jury and we decide whether or not a person is innocent or guilty. We know that in court if you are found innocent, you are set free (salvation), but if you are found guilty, you are punished or pay a penalty (damnation or condemnation).

The other part of it explains a process of separating one from another. To place on the right or the left.

Another word often inappropriately translated to judge is “anakrinó” which actually means to examine, inquire into, investigate, question. This is part of the process that leads up to the judging verdict.

Before we start, let me make one thing VERY clear; many people get the word JUDGE confused with REBUKE. They are not the same thing and I have written a thorough article on rebuke, which when done correctly, is absolutely appropriate and necessary for the growth of believers. Rebuke means (positive implications) to correct, discipline, encourage or teach a person so that they may learn the true nature of God and have an opportunity to correct behavior. Whereas judging means (negative implications) to separate or condemn without a chance to correct behavior.

Examples of judging are when we say whether or not a person is indefinitely unsaved or saved, tell someone they are going to heaven or hell, tell someone they should pay for their sin, tell someone we know what they are thinking or feeling, etc. So the question remains, do we judge or do we not judge?

GOD JUDGES THOSE WHO BEAR BAD FRUITS

Well first we need to decide, is this an unbeliever or a brother in Christ? It is Gods job to judge unbelievers, not ours. The Bible tells us to hand those who claim to be Christians, but live an opposite lifestyle, to Satan and allow them to endure discipline so they are brought back to Christ. God does not desire that anyone should perish, so he hopes that time of separation will bring someone to repentance.

1 Corinthians 7:32- But WHEN WE ARE JUDGED BY THE LORD, we are disciplined SO THAT WE MAY NOT BE CONDEMNED ALONG WITH THE WORLD.

1 Corinthians 5:1- It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? 3 For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I HAVE ALREADY PASSED JUDGMENT IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS ON THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN DOING THIS. 4 So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the POWER OF OUR LORD JESUS IS PRESENT, 5 hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, SO THAT HIS SPIRIT MAY BE SAVED ON THE DAY OF THE LORD………..But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone NAMED A BROTHER, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For WHAT HAVE I TO DO WITH JUDGING THOSE ALSO WHO ARE OUTSIDE? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE GOD JUDGES. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

Ezekiel 18:30- “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. REPENT! TURN AWAY FROM ALL YOUR OFFENSES; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 RID YOURSELVES OF ALL THE OFFENSES YOU HAVE COMMITTED, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? 32FOR I TAKE NO PLEASURE IN THE DEATH OF ANYONE, declares the Sovereign Lord. REPENT AND LIVE!

So, how do we decide whether or not someone is living as a Christian or an unbeliever? God says we will know them by their fruits. When someone is not exhibiting the fruits of the spirit, we should consider them as an unbeliever.

Matthew 7:15- “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will KNOW THEM by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits YOU WILL KNOW THEM. As we learned earlier, we have no business judging unbelievers because that is God’s job. Really, there is no point in it because this verse explains unbelievers have already been judged from the moment they chose darkness rather than light, so let’s not waste time doing something already done.

John 3:18- He who DOES NOT BELIEVE HAS BEEN JUDGED ALREADY, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.19 “THIS IS THE JUDGMENT, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be seen as having been accomplished through God.”

DON’T BRING A CASE BETWEEN BELIVERS TO UNBELIVERS

God says it is better to let someone totally rob you than to allow the unrighteous settle our disputes. It is a shame when we are supposed to be judges over all believers, even the angels, in the next life, and can’t even settle disputes amongst believers now. God desires to trust us with the big things in the future, but we have to prove faithful with the small things right now.

1 Corinthians 6:1- Dare any of you, having a matter against another, GO TO LAW BEFORE THE UNRIGHTEOUS, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will (in the future, not now) judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO THIS LIFE? 4 If then you have JUDGMENTS CONCERNING THINGS PERTAINING TO THIS LIFE, do you appoint those who are LEAST ESTEEMED BY THE CHURCH TO JUDGE? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to JUDGE BETWEEN HIS BRETHREN? 6 But brother goes to law against brother, and that BEFORE UNBELIEVERS! 7 Now therefore, it is already an UTTER FAILURE for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 8 No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren!

EXAMINE OURSELVES

Too often many of us judge others before even looking inside ourselves. This should be something we do daily. 2 Corinthians 13:5- Examine yourselves as to WHETHER YOU ARE IN THE FAITH. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that JESUS CHRIST IS IN YOU?—UNLESS INDEED YOU ARE DISQUALIFIED. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.

We are disqualified due to not being in the faith; in other verses this speaks of disobedience. So which is it, lack of faith or not obeying? The answer is lack of faith which manifests itself through disobedience. If we have true faith, we will produce works. When we are not producing good works or fruit, we show the condition of our faith. The bad fruit is disobedience and that is from not having faith which causes Christ to dwell in us and cause us to obey. Confusing to some, but I must keep this short.

Hebrews 4:2- 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH in those who heard it….. 6 Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached DID NOT ENTER BECAUSE OF DISOBEDIENCE…….11 Let us therefore be DILIGENT TO ENTER THAT REST, lest anyone fall according to the same example of DISOBEDIENCE.

If we do find we fall short, we need to repent and boldly turn back to the Lord so that he may help us in our weakness.

Lamentations 3:40- Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord;

Hebrews 2:16- Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

God says that if we actually examined ourselves, we would avoid judgement. Unfortunately, there are a lot of Christians who claim to be a follower of Christ, yet live in an unworthy manner and participate in division in the body of Christ. This shows their fruits and true colors, and as we learned earlier, bad fruit is evidence of a non-existent faith.

1 Corinthians 11:27- Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord (fellowship) in an unworthy manner (lacking love and not being unified) will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 LET A PERSON EXAMINE HIMSELF, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and DRINKS JUDGMENT ON HIMSELF. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we JUDGED OURSELVES TRULY, we would NOT BE JUDGED. 32 But WHEN WE ARE JUDGED BY THE LORD, we are disciplined SO THAT WE MAY NOT BE CONDEMNED ALONG WITH THE WORLD. 33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it WILL NOT BE FOR JUDGMENT. Luke 12:57- "And why DO YOU NOT EVEN JUDGE YOURSELVES WHAT IS RIGHT (examine yourself)? 58"For while you are going with your accuser (who is upset with you for having contempt for him) to appear before the magistrate, on your way there make an effort to settle with him, so that he may not drag you before the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.

DON’T BE A HYPOCRITE

Now that we have examined ourselves to see if we have true faith, we need to make sure we aren’t judging something we are also guilty of. If it is something we do as well, we should first correct this behavior so that we can see the problem clearly and how to correct it. It seems silly to try to correct something you haven’t even gotten control of yourself.

Matthew 7:3- And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! FIRST REMOVE THE PLANK FROM YOUR OWN EYE, and then you will SEE CLEARLY to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

When we judge someone for something we do ourselves, we become judged also. Why? Because you are deciding what they are doing is wrong and deserving of punishment. Since you do the same thing, don’t you think you too would deserve that judgement as well? This makes you just as guilty as them. So instead of telling them that they are guilty, just as you are, you can prevent guilt by doing your best not to cause someone else to stumble. Wouldn’t it be a better world if we all were very careful not to cause someone to sin? Wouldn’t that be more loving, to make every effort not to tempt your brother to sin?

Romans 2:1- Therefore you have no excuse, O man, EVERY ONE OF YOU WHO JUDGES. For in PASSING JUDGMENT ON ANOTHER YOU CONDEMN YOURSELF, because you, the judge, PRACTICE THE VERY SAME THINGS. Therefore LET US NOT PASS JUDGMENT ON ONE ANOTHER ANY LONGER, but rather decide NEVER TO PUT A STUMBLING BLOCK OR HINDRANCE IN THE WAY OF A BROTHER.

The thing is, a sin is a sin. We are all guilty. Every single one of us. None of us have any right to judge, because none of us are without sin. When we stand around judging people, Jesus doesn’t even turn to acknowledge it because your accusations come from someone just as guilty.

James 2:10- If you obey every law except one, you are still guilty of breaking them all.

John 8:1- but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. JESUS BENT DOWN AND WROTE WITH HIS FINGER ON THE GROUND. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “LET HIM WHO IS WITHOUT SIN AMONG YOU BE THE FIRST TO THROW A STONE AT HER.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “WOMAN, WHERE ARE THEY? HAS NO ONE CONDEMNED YOU?”11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU; go, and from now on sin no more.”

Additionally, if we are passing judgement harshly on a brother, we are in danger ourselves because of the contempt and hasty accusations we have made. It is to our best interest to go quickly to him and make things right, or else it may be too late (death or 2nd coming of Christ) and we find ourselves standing before God and He makes us pay for our hard judgements. Matthew 5:21- “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in DANGER OF THE JUDGMENT.’ 22 But I say to you that WHOEVER IS ANGRY with his brother shall be in DANGER OF THE JUDGMENT. And whoever says to his brother, ‘IDIOT!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. FIRST BE RECONCILED TO YOUR BROTHER, AND THEN COME AND OFFER YOUR GIFT.25 Agree with your accuser quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, YOU WILL BY NO MEANS GET OUT OF THERE TILL YOU HAVE PAID THE LAST PENNY.

FORGOTTON GRACE

Don’t forget how much God forgave you of. Think about everything you have been through and the massive amount of mercy He has shown you. When we judge people for things we too have done, we forget the amazing grace our Lord gave to us. He forgave us despite how evil we were; don’t you think you should do the same? Not everyone is saved the moment they are born and not everyone will arrive at perfection the moment they become saved. We must have patience and faith that God will complete a good work in them.

Matthew 18:21- Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him TEN THOUSAND TALENTS. 25 But as he was NOT ABLE TO PAY, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘MASTER, HAVE PATIENCE WITH ME, AND I WILL PAY YOU ALL.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was MOVED WITH COMPASSION, RELEASED HIM, AND FORGAVE HIM THE DEBT. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him A HUNDRED DENARII; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘PAY ME WHAT YOU OWE!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘HAVE PATIENCE WITH ME, AND I WILL PAY YOU ALL.’30 And he would not, but went and THREW HIM INTO PRISON TILL HE SHOULD PAY THE DEBT. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You WICKED SERVANT! I FORGAVE YOU ALL THAT DEBT BECAUSE YOU BEGGED ME. 33 Should you not also have HAD COMPASSION ON YOUR FELLOW SERVANT, just AS I HAD PITY ON YOU?’ 34 And his master was angry, and DELIVERED HIM TO THE TORTURERS UNTIL HE SHOULD PAY ALL THAT WAS DUE TO HIM.

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

God tells us that we are to judge with right judgment. Well what is that exactly and how should we do it? Right judgment is defined as looking inward instead of outward. It means to look at the heart and the innermost thoughts of a person so we can judge righteously. When we have all the evidence (the thoughts and motives) from a person, we can then make a fair judgement. John 7:24- DO NOT JUDGE BY APPEARANCES, but judge with right judgment.”

But the problem with that is, as humans we can’t hear a person’s innermost thoughts. We do not know what their heart is truly feeling. We can only see what is on the outside, and I can promise you, most people don’t even know their OWN thoughts and feelings. How much more a person who doesn’t know them as well as they know their selves?

1 Samuel 16:7- For God sees not as man sees, for MAN LOOKS AT THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART."

2 Corinthians 10:7- Do you look at things ACCORDING TO THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.

John 8:15- YOU JUDGE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH; I judge no one. 16 Yet EVEN IF I DO JUDGE, MY JUDGMENT IS TRUE, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.

Even if we could hear and see their true thoughts and feelings, it probably wouldn’t even be close to what is really going on because a person’s heart is deceptive and can even convince the owner of things that aren’t even true. But God knows. He knows everything and sees from beginning to end. He knows the persons past and future. He sees everything that has taken place, so it is He who can discern the motives and intentions of a person in order to make a right judgment.

Jeremiah 17:9-"The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? 10 "I, THE LORD, SEARCH THE HEART, I TEST THE MIND, Even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.

JUDGING IS A GAMBLE

Now the Bible says we need to judge with true judgement, but since that is hard to do because we do not see a man’s heart and search his mind, we can end up judging harshly, and by judging harshly or wrongly we can end up being judged unfairly as well. I think with everything we have learned so far, we have plenty of reason not to judge because there simply is too much to lose if we don’t judge correctly. Do you think after all the verses you have read, you are able to judge with perfect and righteous judgement? I know I don’t feel comfortable answering yes, and really, neither should you.

Matthew 7:1- “JUDGE NOT, THAT YOU BE NOT JUDGED. 2 For with WHAT JUDGMENT you judge, you will BE JUDGED; and with the MEASURE YOU USE, it will be MEASURED BACK TO YOU.

NO JUDGEMENT FOR THOSE WHO ABIDE IN CHRIST

So now that we know not to judge unbelievers, then is it okay to judge other people in the body of Christ? It makes sense we should hold them to higher standards, but the thing is, God likes to go against all logic.

The good news is, for those who are called by Christ’s name there is absolutely no condemnation and judgement if we refrain from making faulty judgements ourselves. God is the one who justifies those who belong to him through Christ, so we need not worry if we will stand trial and be found guilty.

The bad news is (for some of us who love judging) this means we should not and cannot judge other believers. Even if we do, it is God who makes them innocent regardless of our accusations. One thing to also keep in mind is since we are unable to see from beginning to end or a person’s walk with God, we are in danger of making a mistake and condemning a future or true believer. Being as God loves His little children so much, I doubt He would take kindly to that and the many parables we read about people having to pay the very last penny after they judged inappropriately, confirms this.

Romans 8:33- Who shall bring any accusation against God's elect (no one)? It is God who justifies (proclaim innocence). 34 WHO IS TO JUDGE worthy of punishment? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, WHO INDEED IS INTERCEDING FOR US.

Romans 8:1- There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to them WHICH ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh (unbelief), but after the Spirit (faith).

John 3:18- “HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM IS NOT JUDGED

Again, we should refrain from judging another brother in Christ because they too are His servant. Only a Master can judge his servant because that is his authority and role, not ours as servants of the same Master.

Romans 14:3- Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. WHO ARE YOU TO PASS JUDGMENT ON THE SERVANT OF ANOTHER? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE SOMEONE ELSE'S SERVANT? To their own master, servants stand or fall. AND THEY WILL STAND, FOR THE LORD IS ABLE TO MAKE THEM STAND.

TEST ALL THINGS

This next verse uses the Greek word “anakrinó” and it does not mean the same thing as “krínō” which is used when talking about judgement. “Anakrinó” actually means to examine, inquire into, investigate, question. This is part of the process that leads up to the judging verdict. As Christians we should test and compare all things so that we are not fooled or led astray. Even so, this verse clarifies we remain free from the judging process.

1 Corinthians 2:15- The spiritual person judges (scrutinizes) all things, but is HIMSELF TO BE JUDGED (SCRUTINIZED) BY NO ONE.

GOD IS THE JUDGE

It seems pretty much no one is able to judge, and if they do, they better make darn sure they get it right or else they will suffer a pretty harsh consequence. So who can judge then? God and Jesus. God is omnipresent, sovereign, all knowing, all powerful, wise beyond measure, completely passing time and space. Since Jesus is one with God, He too knows the thoughts and hearts of man so that He is able to judge with right judgement.

John 8:49-“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50 I am not seeking glory for myself; but THERE IS ONE (GOD) who seeks it, AND HE IS THE JUDGE. 51 Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”

James 4:11- Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. THE ONE WHO SPEAKS AGAINST A BROTHER OR JUDGES HIS BROTHER, slanders the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, YOU DO NOT OBEY THE LAW but you are a judge. 12 THERE IS ONLY ONE LAWGIVER AND JUDGE, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but WHO ARE YOU WHO JUDGE YOUR NEIGHBOR?

Psalm 75:7- But it is GOD WHO EXECUTES JUDGMENT, putting down one and lifting up another.

BUT JESUS DIDN’T COME TO JUDGE

Here’s another good reason not to judge; since we are to be like Christ, doesn’t that mean we should not judge, being as He didn’t even judge anyone while he was here? People tend to see verses about God judging or Jesus judging when He comes again and think that is what we should also do, but if you read carefully, you will find that Jesus didn’t judge anyone.

John 3:16-“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17“For God DID NOT SEND THE SON INTO THE WORLD TO JUDGE THE WORLD, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18“HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM IS NOT JUDGED; he who DOES NOT BELIEVE HAS BEEN JUDGED ALREADY, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

In this scenario, the Pharisees who were prone to hypocrisy and harsh judgements are accusing a woman of adultery. The funny thing is Jesus is pretty much ignoring them. Why do you think He is doing that? I think it is because He knows their words have no bearing on this woman’s fate. He goes on to say to her after they left, that not even He is judging her. Of all the people that could, being that He was completely without sin and God was His father and they were one, He totally could have judged her, but He didn’t. Instead, He rebuked her (instructed her) to go and sin no more in order that she may have a chance to correct her behavior before it was too late.

John 8:1- but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. JESUS BENT DOWN AND WROTE WITH HIS FINGER ON THE GROUND. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “LET HIM WHO IS WITHOUT SIN AMONG YOU BE THE FIRST TO THROW A STONE AT HER.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “WOMAN, WHERE ARE THEY? HAS NO ONE CONDEMNED YOU?”11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU; go, and from now on sin no more.”

DON’T JUDGE BEFORE THE TIME

So we know that God and Jesus can judge with true judgement. The question remains, “When will people be judged?” Paul says that in the end when the Lord comes, we will be judged and warns us not to judge before that time. He says it doesn’t even matter if people judge him, because he knows that presently it is God who justifies him, but wants to clarify that does not make his behavior without error. He knows that when the time comes, all things will be revealed and known, so it is wasting energy to do something prematurely that will again be done, only this time it will be carried out with righteous judgement.

1 Corinthians 4:1- Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 I CARE VERY LITTLE IF I AM JUDGED BY YOU OR BY ANY HUMAN COURT; indeed, I DO NOT EVEN JUDGE MYSELF... 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is THE LORD WHO JUDGES ME. 5 Therefore DO NOT GO ON PASSING JUDGMENT BEFORE THE TIME, BUT WAIT UNTIL THE LORD COMES who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.

So what exactly is “The time” Paul is referring to? Well it is after the great tribulation and the day of the Lord’s wrath, where Jesus will finally judge everyone. He will judge righteously and fairly. He will separate (judge) the sheep (believers) from the goats (unbelievers). He will then punish with wrath and fury the unbelievers who were sentenced from the beginning because of their unbelief. Meanwhile, the righteous will escape judgment (negative) but will receive their reward (positive) according to their works.

John 12:47- He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, HAS THAT WHICH JUDGES HIM—the word that I have spoken will JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY. Acts 17:30- In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to REPENT. 31 For he has set a day when HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD WITH JUSTICE BY THE MAN HE HAS APPOINTED. He has given proof of this to everyone by RAISING HIM FROM THE DEAD.”

Romans 2:6- He will RENDER TO EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will GIVE ETERNAL LIFE; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will BE WRATH AND FURY.

Isaiah 11:1- There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. HE SHALL NOT JUDGE BY WHAT HIS EYES SEE, OR DECIDE DISPUTES BY WHAT HIS EARS HEAR, 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

Revelation 20:12- And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead WERE JUDGED BY WHAT WAS WRITTEN IN THE BOOKS, ACCORDING TO WHAT THEY HAD DONE.

When judgement day comes, we will all be given an opportunity to explain ourselves and testify before the courts. When we judge one another before that time, we are essentially declaring someone guilty before being proven innocent.

John 7:50- Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51“Does our law condemn a man WITHOUT FIRST HEARING HIM to find out what he has been doing?”

Romans 14:10- WHY DO YOU PASS JUDGMENT ON YOUR BROTHER? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For WE WILL ALL STAND BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF GOD; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

HAVE PATIENCE

Finally, let’s put it into our minds that we should be patient with one another. Many of us are growing and being refined. Some of us have not even started growing yet but are waiting to be planted. We must give God time to bring about His plans and not be hasty about judging a person before they have even had a chance. Do you stomp out a flower before it blooms? No, you water it and care for it as it grows, tending for it in love, encouraging it and training it towards the light. Since we are compassionate and have the heart of Christ, we want to give it the best opportunity to thrive, so let’s put it in our mind to do the same for the people around us.

James 5:7- Be PATIENT, therefore, brothers, UNTIL THE COMING OF THE LORD. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 DO NOT GRUMBLE (put pressure on) AGAINST ONE ANOTHER, brothers, SO THAT YOU MAY NOT BE JUDGED; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.