Judging, or Discerning?

I know of no more difficult topic than that of judging. So often, in the circles in which I move, I hear the decree “Do not judge.” With no further explanation we are left with the incorrect conclusion that we are never to discern differences, discern good or evil spirits, form opinions, use the mind of Christ that we have been given, or even to see opportunities where we might serve the Lord by helping a brother improve his walk. It is a risky attitude that is promoted by this negative approach to the scriptures. Join me in touching on some key points that may shed light on the topic.

 

Most of us think of the passage in Matthew 7:1 that backs up our fear of judging.
Do not judge lest you be judged.
The word used here is krino, which means to divide, separate, make a distinction, or come to a decision about being guilty or not guilty. In the New Testament it has the primary meaning to judge, to try in a solemn judicial manner, a role we should clearly leave to God, as in Acts 17:31 and in Romans 3:6. It also can mean to pass sentence, as in Luke 6: 37 and John 8:16. Additional meanings include to discern, form a mental judgment or opinion, as in Luke 12:57, John 7:24, Acts 4:19, 1 Corinthians 10:15 and 11:13. It also can mean to judge, think, esteem, as in Acts 16:15; 26:8. It even means to prefer one thing to another, as in Romans 14:5 and 1 Corinthians 4:5.

As we return to Matthew 7:1, my point is this: there are many ways to judge—some correct and some clearly wrong. We should leave the solemn, condemning judgment to God, but we are capable of discerning, forming mental judgments, having opinions, and choosing preferences. Why else would verses be in the Bible that support these latter mental and spiritual functions?

But let us read on. Matthew 7:1 clearly adds, “lest you be judged.” That’s where we begin to get worried. However, if we continue our reading we see:
For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5.

I get several principles from all of this.
1. I can judge if I am willing to be judged by the same standard. All the standards of Christ will apply.
2. There will be times that I will see or discern that there is a speck in my brother’s eye, but I will need to get the log out of my own eye first.
3. I can remove the speck from my brother’s eye if the log in my own eye is removed.
4. I see the principle from 2 Corinthians 10:5.
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Here we see the role of “tough love.” The pattern is established in Hebrews 12:10,11.
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

You may say that the above passage describes the actions of God toward the body of Christ. That is true, but this passage does not give the whole picture. For we read in Galatians 6:1,2:
Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

Clearly I am to have the ability to spiritually discern that a brother in Christ may be falling short. He may have bad habits that detract from his witness. He may be harming others with gossip. He may be living a defeated life, and I would want, in the love of Christ, to help restore him to a right relationship with our Lord. But I can not do any of this if there is a log in my own eye. I need to subject myself to the discipline of the Lord so that I can be free to participate in the discipline of others. Sound arrogant, or too self-righteous? No, it is not.
My dear friend, we have no righteousness of our own. We are to be servants to our fellow man. And I claim verses such as this passage in Galatians for my authority—which ultimately comes from our Lord.

As a Christian, through no merit on my part, I have already been judged, and I prayerfully gather from the Scriptures that the decision is “Justified, righteous, clothed in Christ.” But, in my moment-by-moment walk with Christ, He would have me discern or distinguish the spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10). I need to judge my actions or inaction and allow the Holy Spirit to work His way into my way. I will make decisions about what is right and wrong; I will choose one action or word over another, and I will judge what is right, as in Acts 12:57. Through it all the intent is not to put-down or demean anyone else. Our intent should always be to strive for God’s love to be shown through a servant’s heart.

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