Don't you have to Pass sentence to qualify as JUDGING someone?

Question

Simply pointing out someone's wrong doing or telling someone that you believe the Bible teaches against a certain action they are participating in, is not Judging, is it?

Answer 1

It is true that passing sentence is the part of 'judging' that we are definitely not supposed to do. The other part is to discern whether or not a crime was committed, and we need to be people of discernment.
To discern that a beloved friend or family member is doing wrong by smoking, alcoholism, stealing, or whatever behavior is harmful to themselves or others is necessary. And to warn them out of love so that they don't get cancer, cirrhosis, hurt someone else by depriving them of necessities, or violence is to share wisdom.
But things are not always that clear. The statue of 'justice' with the blindfold and the scales is a good symbol. We humans are not really capable of being perfectly just. To be perfectly just we have to take into account aggravating and mitigating factors, intentions, and all of the details that provide context for the behavior. We have to understand things about other people's thinking and motives and needs that we can't understand. We also tend to favor certain people against others, and we tend to want more than the 'eye for an eye'.
The Bible says that we should take care of the beam in our own eye before we try to take the splinter out of somebody else's eye. Then we could see what is going on better, eh?

So, yes, pointing out someone's wrong doing could be too judgemental if we have a beam in our own eye so that we can't see too well to point anything out. This doesn't mean never to speak out, but it means to guard our tongues as James suggests.

Answer 2

if you are just pointing out that someone is "wrong doing" or saying that the bible "teaches against a certain action", then you are making a judgement whether you actually tell them that you believe it is wrong or not. In essence, you are implying that they are doing something wrong without stating it. Wrong doing is a matter of perception and personal beliefs, therefore what may be wrong by your judgement may not be wrong to them. Additionally, the bible is open to complete interpretation and the interpretations can be contextual.

Answer 3

It certainly depends as to *how* you go about it. Seek them with a meek attitude, a forgiving heart, and open arms with a warm hug.

Yes, we are to judge, but only in this manner. Meekness is a verb.

Answer 4

You are absolutely right.
People think that we "judge" them by WARNING THEM ONLY!!
WE HAVE ZERO AUTHORITY OR POWER TO BE THIER FINAL JUDGE AND DAMNER OR REDEEMER OF THEIR ETERNAL SOULS.
*Thank you for addressing that question of reason.
Its like a co-worker telling you what to do, they have no power over you if the boss in charge says to do something, and you obey his commandments/orders that is.
GODBLESS! -LIVE4TRUTH =]

Answer 5

"let he who lives without sin cast the first stone" teaching not judging

Answer 6

sometimes i think people are not very sensitive when they warn people of the consequences of their actions. i think if we were a little more loving in our response, that label would not be applied so readily.

Answer 7

yes it is and the bible tells us not to judge or you will be judged..........so they are not right in telling anyone how to act or behave...they should mind their own business.........

Answer 8

yeah I know quoting stuff they dont like is called truth..they cant always handle it...truth is like a two edged sword
the truth is in the trinity!!!!!!!!!