What does the Bible teach about judging in the Christian life?
The Bible teaches that judging is not the job of the believer, as God reserves the right to convict and correct His own children. When we become preoccupied with someone else's race, criticizing or judging their technique, we step out of our lane and ask for trouble. Our responsibility is to understand ourselves, recognize the things that hinder or entangle us, and set them aside so they don't keep us from finishing our race (Eph. 4:22–23). The only way we can set aside our entangling sins is through confession and spiritual growth. We must remember that God intends for each of us to be free, answer directly to Him for how we use our freedom, and never try to force another believer to make the choices we think they should make or judge and malign them for their choices. The judgmental believer is always a weak believer. Our love for others is unconditional, based on the virtue of the one loving, and it's impossible to love others if we don't love God and have not learned to love and accept ourselves based on His love for us. Paul prays that our love will abound in real knowledge and discernment, which is the beginning of discernment (Phil. 1:9).
Also asked, more loosely
Source: The Basics The Basics — Judging (canonical doctrine) · Read this lesson in the book →
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See also
- What is the biblical teaching on being a hero of faith?Same lesson · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about small things and their significance in God's plan?Same lesson · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about mentality as a soul strength and soul kink?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion
- What is self-consciousness according to the Bible?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion
- What does the Bible teach about God's discipline of His children?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion
- What does the Bible teach about making decisions?Same lesson · The Basics
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Where this is taught in the book
Lesson 3–3: The Promise—Spirituality
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