Friday Night Message: To Judge, or Not to Judge?

April 7, 2023

Good evening brethren, 

Is judgment something that we are to have and to grow in, or is it something that we are to avoid altogether and eliminate from our lives?  Or could it be both, depending upon the multiple meanings and nuances of this word “judgment”.  Let’s continue this series of messages which is named “To Judge, Or Not To Judge?”

For the purpose of this series, I would like to describe for you two broad categories or types of judgment – condemnation, and discernment: 

• Under the general heading of condemnation go such meanings as harsh criticism, sentencing, passing judgment, censure, and the like.  

• Under the general heading of discernment go such things as distinguishing right from wrong, having understanding or good sense, the ability to compare and decide.

Let’s continue to evaluate condemnation.  In this kind of judgment, the emphasis and focus is on the person (not an incident), on the inner heart and motives (not just the outward actions or behavior), and on their destiny or ultimate fate (not just present consequences).

Why is it wrong for us to judge others in this way?”  Why should it be avoided?  …

1. It’s not our job.

2. We would not do a good job of it.  Why?...

2-A. Judging according to the flesh

2-B. Judging before the time

2-C. Judging from afar

 3. As you judge, you will be judged.

Now let us add yet another reason to avoid this type of judgment.   “Why is it wrong for us to judge others in this way?”  Why should it be avoided?

4. Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, tended not to judge [condemn] people.

John 3:16-17 – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Why did Jesus come to the earth?  The apostle John was inspired to write these two verses above as the answer to that question underlined above.

John 8:4-11 – The scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery, and they said to Jesus … Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.  Now Moses in the law commanded us that such should be stoned.  But what do You say? …Jesus said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.  … Then those who heard it, being convicted by their consciences, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last.  And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, Woman, where are those accusers of yours?  Has no one condemned you?  She said, No one, Lord..  And Jesus said to her, Neither do I condemn you… go and sin no more.

All of us are familiar with this particular incident, and it clearly demonstrates the mercy and grace given to the woman caught in adultery…Jesus did not condemn her, but neither did He condone her behavior   Jesus said, “Woman, where are your accusers?”  and then “Go and sin no more.”

After His second coming, Jesus Christ will judge the whole world, but that topic will need to wait for another time.  Meanwhile, next week we will consider one final reason why we should not condemn others.

Have an uplifting Sabbath,

Fred