Judging Without Being Judgmental

1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

A judgmental spirit is different than a person that judges rightly.

Consider these things:
1. Is it your business to judge in this situation? We aren't qualified to be the judge but we are to discern at times.

The Tree of Life was in the midst of the garden.  The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was not something for man.  Only God knows Good and Evil.  So man was not made to judge.

Jesus said something like, "Who made me your judge" somewhere in the scripture.  Look that up.

If we judge those in the church as a tare then we may root out the wheat with the tares.  So that is not for us to do either.

1 Thessalonians 4:11
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

2. Does the judging administer life?
Pharaseas had a spirit of fault finding.
It condemns, excludes, and divides the body of Christ.

Judging right builds up, cleanses, and helps those in the body of Christ.
Judgmental actions tear down and crush people.

When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples it is a type of cleansing that happens to a saved person through judgments and the correction of God.

DON'T SHOOT THE WOUNDED


3. Is the judgment characterized by humility and tenderness?

Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:2-3 
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

You reap what you sow:
Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

4. Is the Judging Invited?

Are you open for correction?  Will you correct me when needed?

Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.