So how do we draw the distinction between judging the individual, and lovingly and respectfully rebuking those who sin?
2006-10-23 08:09:08 · 27 answers · asked by whitehorse456 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
When the Bible warns us against being judgmental, it is speaking of the attitude we exhibit towards others. Rebuking/correcting can come from two different attitudes/mind-sets: 1) a holier-than-thou condemnation that looks down on someone...or, 2) a loving concern from a friend that seeks your best interest. The attitude of the individual is what makes the first option wrong (i.e.- "judging")
Only God knows what is in a person's heart. While we are not to judge what is in the heart of our fellowman, we should apply discernment concerning their words and actions.
Yes, rebuking and correcting can be done in love. For example, if I really love my kids I'm going to try and help them avoid dangers. I can "harshly rebuke" my 4 year old for playing with an electrical outlet, and my motivation is love and concern. I suppose it implies a certain closeness...how can I "lovingly rebuke" someone I don't have a close relationship with?
2006-10-23 08:31:54 · answer #1 · answered by Seven 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think too many Christians & non Christians has this Judging thing mix up, The Bible tells me that we shall know them by their fruits, & it also tell us to try the Spirits to see if they be of God,Now I don't think it is wrong to Judge someone if you don't have the truth about what was said, My bible also tells me to Rebuke them that do sin, But I want to take you to some scriptures, I will not type it all dwon but you can read them yourselve. Turn to 1st Corinthians 6:1-7 It says that the SAINTS SHALL JUDE THE WORLD, & IT ALSO SAYS THAT THE SAINTS SHALL JUDGE ANGELS, I know all the other verses people tries to use, I have study the scriptures for over 36 yrs. So the over all picture is don't Judge them until you know it is a fact, then we have every RIGHT to Judge them, because If we can't learn to judge small matters, how can we Judge the angels during the millennium. Never judge someone just to put yourself up over them.
2006-10-23 08:24:39 · answer #2 · answered by birdsflies 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible does NOT say "do not judge"
It says "Judge not, lest ye be judged in like manner". In other words, if you are going to hold people up to a certain standard, be prepared to meet that standard yourself.
If you say that someone has lied, then you must be ready to be judged for lying yourself. Get it?
This is why we can rebuke and correct our fellow Christians, show our brothers and sisters where they have gone wrong, but we can in no way judge their hearts, that alone is God's business.
2006-10-23 08:13:22 · answer #3 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A difference between judging the sin and judging the sinner.
Judging motives is wrong. only God sees what is on the inside.
In 1st Corinthians 5, we are only to act in a certain form of judgement with other Christians. In no way are we to judge non-christians.
I think if this was recognized by all Christians, it would simplify matters greatly.
2006-10-23 08:23:16 · answer #4 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are not to judge the person committing the sin, but judge the sin itself. We are to give correction in love and truth. If you judge someone, they are going to defend themselves. Instead of showing how wrong a person is, show them an alternate way of doing whatever they're doing wrong and give supporting information on why this is a correct or wise way of going about it.
2006-10-23 08:18:50 · answer #5 · answered by edcw0214 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rebuking is an action, judgement is a feeling you have towards a person. All too often people think they are one in the same. That's why you get all these people calling Christians "judgemental" when really they are just being called out.
2006-10-23 08:13:09 · answer #6 · answered by Josh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look up the word Judge as it is used in the Bible, in simply means criticize, it has doing to do with telling someone the truth
2006-10-23 08:23:40 · answer #7 · answered by PREACHER'S WIFE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe when you judge you feel that you know what should be done to that person by way of punishment. You help him as best you can by the insight that is available to you but leave the final consequences up to G-d. ~ Just a thought.
2006-10-23 08:17:20 · answer #8 · answered by 4thwatch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We can judge, and therefore rebuke it, that something is not right.
"You must not steal" is a command from God. Therefore, if you steal you are doing wrong.
However, I cannot condemn you to eternal destruction for this; God knows your heart, and you may repent and stop, perhaps even at my rebuke. I cannot judge you in condemnation. I can judge your actions.
2006-10-23 08:13:39 · answer #9 · answered by Abdijah 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not our place to judge, yes. That ultimately is only God's choice. To "correct" sinners, is merely the acknowledgement of sin, letting them know that's a sin, that's not the way to Heaven. Love & faith is. Cause if you have true faith & love for God & the Lamb, u willingly decide to follow the commandments.
2006-10-23 08:12:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋