Judging others

On Friday (6/15/07) we looked at a few related scriptures on judging others. As Christians, we are careful not to judge others, but I'm sure we all slip at times when we get annoyed or a situation doesn't go our way.


First, we looked at Psalm 79. At first, you may think wow. What does this scripture have to do with judging? It's about crying out to God when injustice happens and for God to pour His judgment on those that do not trust God. This theme is actually in a lot of the Psalms. But this Psalm actually references back to 2 Chronicles 36:14-20. Asaph, the writer of this Psalm, is asking judgment on other kingdoms, yet the people in Judah, where Asaph is from, were rejecting God at this time also. The 2nd Chronicles passage tells us that the Israelites "mocked God's messengers" and "scoffed at his prophets." And Asaph was calling for judgment on unbelieving nations?! According to the NIV Life Application study bible notes, "this made their [Israelites from Judah] judgment even worse."

There are a few New Testament passages that show this concept. We looked at the one in the Gospel of John, chapter 8, where Jesus forgives an adulterous woman. Let the one who is without sin throw the first stone. Of course, that left the woman unharmed. Jesus tells her, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." This last line is important because a person that does not repent and change is not growing their relationship to God. Passing a judgment onto others and also committing the sin themself is being a hypocrite.


Something to think about:
Do you catch yourself, individually or in a group, judging others? If so, pray for all those involved. Repentance is needed.