JUDGING OTHERS

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 04 February 2012

Hi all,

Judging other people; we know we shouldn't do it. We know it’s forbidden. But most of us do it anyway. Sadly, we have been created a gregarious people. We love to talk – about anything and everything; about anyone and everyone. Prior to the internet, I’m told there were four main means of communication; Telephone, Telegram, Tele-fax and Tele-woman. (Sorry ladies)

Speaking of the tongue, Jesus’ half-brother James, had a couple of things to say. One quote is: ⁷ This is scary: You can tame a tiger, ⁸ but you can't tame a tongue - it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. James 3:7-8 MSG. This problem accounts for why there are a number of “silent” orders among the Roman Catholics and Anglicans. The argument is that if you never “speak” you can’t sin with the tongue. The only way I know whereby a tongue can come under some semblance of control is to hand speech over to the Holy Spirit.

So, knowing about our penchant for passing on juicy tit-bits of information about others, how do we deal with judging others? One way is to refuse to listen to anything people wish to say about a situation, unless you are involved in the problem or you are part of the solution. I’ve tried to do this for many years but have not really succeeded.

There is another consideration here. Are you judging the person or the situation? For example it is correct for me to say that extramarital relationships are sinful. But to point a finger at John Doe and Jane Citizen, and say he or she is sinful is wrong. By all means judge the sin; but don’t judge the person. Leave the person for God to deal with. I’ve been told on several occasions that if I point a finger at you, there are three of my fingers pointing back at me!

In the gospel of John we see this in action by no lesser person than Jesus Christ. ³ The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone ⁴ and said, "Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. ⁵ Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?" ⁶ They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. ⁷ They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." ⁸ Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt. ⁹ Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. ¹⁰ Jesus stood up and spoke to her. "Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?" ¹¹ "No one, Master." "Neither do I," said Jesus. "Go on your way. From now on, don't sin." John 8:3-11 MSG

Here we see that Jesus was clear in His judgement of the sin. She admitted to the sin. But Jesus didn’t condemn her. He judged the sin but not the sinner. There will come a day when He will do so for each and every one of us. Until that day comes, it’s best left in His capable hands.

Christians need to adopt His method in everything they do. Where there is sin, let’s call it sin. Don’t bring any lame excuse for the sin. Let’s call a spade a spade. But having done so, let’s adopt His attitude. Don’t judge the person. Leave that to Him. The truth will be made manifest when He decides.

Today’s meditation looks at judging others in more detail.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Judging others

Justice is impossible for folk like you and me. We don’t know what has happened! How can it ever be? What was the person thinking? Why did he take that course? Perhaps it was an accident, or was it done by force? There’s many possibilities. So many reasons why, The man did what they say he did. We cannot even try, To understand the motives deep down within his heart; And in this situation, we surely cannot start, To judge the situation. We can’t pontificate! We may have our suspicions, but none of us can state, That we know why he did it. It’s mostly just a guess. We’re not in a position to comment on the mess. But Jesus Christ knows everything. In fact, He’s always known, The truth about what happened. It’s known to Him alone. He doesn’t need the witnesses. No detail is concealed. And when it comes to judgement, the facts will be revealed. I know I cannot do it. I dare not even try. For if I am in error, then I deserve to die! There’s dreadful implications when judging other folk. It’s better to refer to Him, than wear a Judge’s cloak. Rather beg for mercy, for that is never wrong, And leave the judgment to the Lord, for that’s where it belongs. And when the verdict’s given, don’t ever stand and cheer. Never go beyond that point. Just stand in holy fear. If we exceed the limits of what the Lord has set, The wrath of God will come on us; a sure and certain bet! So when we “deal” with people, let love illuminate, The way ahead for all of us, until the certain date, When Jesus Christ will judge us for all we’ve done and said. It’s better to be lenient and thereby Spirit led. Remember it is possible, for anyone to fall. No one is excluded, or far above it all. So let’s all be more patient and never criticise, Anything that people think; it may be their surmise, Is not what’ they’ve concocted or drummed up in their head. Perhaps the Lord has hinted at what is still unsaid. Perhaps the Lord is telling you to button up your lip. For if you make a comment, He just may sink your ship! Jim Strickland – Written Saturday 4th February 2012