When We Use The Right Criteria….

If more people actually read the Bible, “judgement” may not be so distorted and abused in our day. Christians are not to condemn unbelievers, but that doesn’t mean we cannot say a certain behavior is wrong, we certainly can and should. However, we are commanded to judge those who say they are followers of Christ Jesus, and yet choose to do ungodly things. It’s how the Church stays effective. As a little yeast infiltrates the entire dough, so does one unrepentant hypocrite infiltrate and ruin a group of believers. When we see governmental leaders, regardless of their party affiliation, claim to be “Christian” and yet stand on a platform that blatantly opposes God, we need to speak up. And certainly not vote for them. But we need to do it with gentleness and respect. If we don’t, we will reap the outcome of division. As Jesus said, “a kingdom divided will not stand”. There’s nothing wrong with judging, but only when we use the right criteria to judge. Read your Bible, it makes it clear.

It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12-13