Right Concept, Wrong Idea #4

We’re taking a look at some well-known thoughts that we tend to
misinterpret biblically.

“God is the only One who can judge.” (Part 1)

Many Christians have become so afraid of being labeled judgmental,
they have misunderstood what Christ said about judging!

Only God can judge for condemnation.
He’s the only One who has the authority to condemn someone.
It’s not our place to condemn.
But He has authorized us to judge in a discerning manner for
identification purposes.

Matthew chapter 7 begins with Christ telling us not to judge for
condemnation. But in verses 15-23, He tells us we are to judge or
discern for identification—and then He instructs us how to do that.

Christians have Christ’s authority to discern between what’s true and
what’s false and to make that known. Of course, this takes the
guiding of the Holy Spirit within us. If we do this on our own, we run
the risk of condemning.

But because we have misunderstood how to judge with Christ’s
discernment, we’ve become paranoid about offending others.

Christ tells us to do everything in love!

“Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us
really love them, and show it by our actions” (1 John 3:18 LB).

But genuine love doesn’t ignore what’s false.
As we depend on the Holy Spirit, let’s stand in boldness for truth and
all that’s right, while we no longer remain silent about sin.

(Catch part 2 of this devotional regarding judging on June 19, 2018.)

Thoughts?

Please pray for me as I speak in Indianapolis this week.