Judging Others…

James 5:20 (NKJV), “let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

One very misguided teaching that Believer’s misconstrue, is that of correcting brothers and sisters in Christ from doing wrong. I know that in the past when Christians try to warn or sway others from falling in their walk with the Lord, the term “Don’t judge men,” always arises as well as a reference to Matthew 7:1 (NKJV), “Judge not, that you be not judged.” The scriptural teachings states that we are to correct those who are in Christ when it is needed as read in 1 Timothy 5:20, “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” If a saved individual allows themselves to fall or is misguided in their ways, we as Christians are to correct them. This also is to let others know that this road is the one not traveled in the scriptures. Matthew 7: 1 actually speaks of condemning someone to Hell or guaranteeing Heaven unto someone. God (YAH), has that qualification and only Him alone to do so. This is stated in Romans 10:6 (NKJV), But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?”(that is, to bring Christ down from above). Though we cannot speak of where someone’s Spirit will end up eternally we can judge actions and beliefs. All men and women can repent at anytime from their transgressions and be made right by trusting in the Messiah to make them new. In this case we use discernment according to John 7:24 (NKJV) “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” Discernment is looking into a situation to see the righteousness of God in it. If their is none we need to address this with the person first and warn others. The Holy Bible lays out clears lines for Believer’s to walk on in their journey in this life. When those lines becomes blurred we should address them with scripture. In the end we are held accountable unto God for allowing our brethren to stray and not return back unto sound teaching. Ezekiel 33:8 (NKJV), When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Shalom…