It has been said time and time again: "Judge not, that ye be not judged." This verse of Scripture from Matthew 7:1 is often quoted out of context by people who are prejudice to the idea of someone preaching against sin or pointing out any form of error in anyone, especially in themselves.

The lack of judgment is a chief reason why many Christians today are bound by confusion.

Isaiah 59:8: "The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace."

Our compass for judging is God's word, not our feelings, our traditions, or our opinions. Right and wrong should always be determined by God's word.

When it comes to judging... We must first judge ourselves (Matthew 7:4,5; 1 Corinthians 11:30,31). You will always find something wrong about you. Guaranteed!

We must not neglect our obligation to judge others when judgment is needed (1 Corinthians 6:1,5) Note especially, Malachi 3:18  Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Any discerning and spiritual believer knows that division and separation from false doctrine, satanic activity and influences, compromise and worldliness is commanded; thus, behooves judging.

Very often, judging that demands separation and division must often be practiced amongst Christians against Christians. The great challenge of separation is not merely separation from the world... it is separation from Christians who live contrary to the Word of God.  Just because someone is a Christian, or professes to be a Christian, and yet not "judge" their error and separate (or divide) ourselves from them is contrary to apostolic teaching.

Note What Paul Said:

Quote:
"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye WITHDRAW yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." 2 Thess. 3:6

Quote:
"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." 2 Thess. 3:14-15

We are commanded to exercise judgment concerning obvious and damaging contradictions in Christianity that would cause the world to suggest that Christ is irrelevant by what it observes in Christianity.

Judging should never be exercised out of hatred (though it often is).  Very importantly, our attitude and actions must be in the likeness of Jesus Christ when we are obligated to exercise judgment. The purpose and goal of judgment is not to condemn a person, but to convert them (James 5:19,20).

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger

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