A few posts ago I mentioned that I was trying to figure out the difference between judging, which the Bible often says we shouldn't do, and rebuking others, which the Bible says we should do to help others. It's been an interesting Bible study but I'm not very good at writing theologically so I'll copy another answer. My sister sent me this link and I like it's explanation. It's from the synod my family was raised in, WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church). Here it is:
"open your Bible and ponder the contexts of Matthew 7:1 and Luke
6:37, where we are instructed not to judge or we ourselves will be
judged.
Don’t Judge!
Using
the verses that follow (see Matthew 7:2-5) we quickly learn that Jesus
warns against a critical spirit that stems from pride, a self-righteous
attitude, or some form of hypocrisy. We are to judge ourselves (take the
plank from our own eye) prior to judging our brother (take the sawdust
speck from his eye). We dare not be in the business of criticizing
others without cause, with a holier-than-thou attitude, or with intent
to harm rather than help. If we ignore healthy and honest self-judgment,
we too easily pass judgment on people or things of which we ourselves
may be guilty. With that understanding in mind, Jesus says, “Don’t
judge!”
Judge!
As you also mention, however, there are plenty of places in the Bible that do
call us to judge people and teachings. Return to the same context of
Matthew 7. Verse 6 instructs us not to waste what is holy or valuable on
“dogs” or “pigs.” To do this necessitates determining or judging
whether another person fits that category. Verses 16 and 20 assure us
that by their fruit (lifestyle including teaching) we will recognize
false prophets, and this involves forming judgments. The context, then,
tells us that Jesus is not condemning or forbidding all judging, only a
certain kind of judging.
Beyond this immediate context there are
many additional Bible commands for us to admonish and discipline others,
identify and expose deeds of darkness, discipline and restore others
caught in a sin, and make personal effort to win back the erring, and
“snatch them from the fire” or rescue them from destruction. (See
Matthew 18:15-16, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 5:11, Colossians 3:16, and
Jude 23, in their contexts). A wholesome judging is a part of all this.
Note well we are called to judge with discernment and especially in a
gentle spirit of humility that seeks to help, not hurt."
What do you think? Do you agree or do you have other thoughts?
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