How often have you been talking to a fellow Christian and
something comes up about their conduct and they respond with “judge not lest ye
be judged?” Frequently, you will have a non-Christian say that. They know that
one phrase so well! And yes, it is true. At any rate, that response usually
ends that conversation. Occasionally, the conversation ends with hurting toes
and feelings. Why?
All of us have a
tendency to take one phrase and take it to be all encompassing. An example is
given above. There is much, much more to
it. As an instruction manual, the Bible sometimes leaves us confused,
scratching our heads. While the Bible is a “how-to” book, you have to look
through pages and pages until we understand the point. The instructions of
Christ in Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that ye be not judged” seem pretty
straightforward. It suggests that we should never tell another Christian when
they are doing something wrong. Is that what it means? Is that all there is too
it? No. And, no.
Paul’s teaching in Galatians and 2nd Timothy follows up on
Matthew 7:1. Galatians 6:1, “…if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted.” I look at this to mean that if you see someone
committing a sin, show their sin, but do
not be tempted to do so in a overbearing, superior fashion. Softly,
privately, tell them their error in a loving, concerned way without being
critical. This is not judging.
When pressed with explain the contradiction to Matthew 7:1,
I refer to 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Does this make it
acceptable to correct a fellow Christian? I say, “yes.” “Yes,” as long as you
do it in the proper manner. Do not laud over those in error. Do not act
superior or oppressive.
It is the responsibility of Christians to take care of each
other. This extends to telling a fellow Christian they are sinning. As a
Christian, you Salvation does not hinge on being helpful to others in this
manner. In the long run, however when you stand in front of the Judge, it will
not be mark of error. I think the opposite is true. Failing to help another
Christian and causing a third person from seeking Salvation will be a mark that
requires answering.
Help another Christian if you see them in error, but do not do so in error.
