Basic TrainingBible MinistriesGene CunninghamBasic Training Bible Ministries KBKnowledge Base

What is judging in the Christian life?

Judging is not the job of the believer, as the right to convict or judge any other believer is reserved by God, who is capable of correcting and convicting His own children. When a believer becomes preoccupied with another person's race, criticizing or judging their technique, they step out of their own lane. The judgmental believer is always a weak believer.

Judging often stems from the sin nature, where an ascetic may judge a lawless person who falls into overt sins. This can manifest as a mental attitude of scornfulness, where individuals measure themselves by comparing their own strengths to the weaknesses of others, viewing them with contempt (Luke 18:9).

Believers are instead responsible for running their own race and understanding the things that hinder or entangle them (Eph. 4:22–23). It is never acceptable to judge or malign another believer for the choices they make within their individual freedom in Christ.

Also asked: what is the job of a believer in the christian life as it relates to convicting or judging others? · what are the consequences for a believer who gets caught up in judging or comparing themselves to others?
Also asked, more loosely
why do christians sometimes focus more on criticizing others than on their own spiritual growth?

Source: The Basics The Basics -- Subject Index entry 'Judging' (printed pp. 121, 122, 135, 136, 137, 177, 182, 191, 214) · Read this lesson in the book →

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appears on 2 pages of The Basics · cited by 1 other question
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Lesson 4–1: Perspective—Grace

Lesson 3–1: The Race—The Christian Life

Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion

Lesson 4–2: Perception—Discernment

Lesson 4–5: Empowering—The Spirit

Lesson 3–3: The Promise—Spirituality

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