“Judging a person does not define who they are… “Judging a person does not define who they are….it defines who you are” (and the implications are not good)

OK…But what does the Bible say?

“Do not judge, or you will be judged” Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, or you will be judged”

before the right time comes. Final judgement must wait So you should NOT pass Judgement on anyone before the right time comes. Final judgement must wait until the Lord comes…” 1 Corinthians 4:5

(in other words: Who are you to judge!)

Conclusion: Do not judge (right?)

“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” -Judges 21:25

LUKE 6:37-42 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

LUKE 6:37-42 (continued) He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

LUKE 6:37-42 (continued) “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

LUKE 6:(36)-37 ( * A Fresh Look *) 36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful 37] Do not judge, [hypocritically or worldly] and you will not be judged [hypocritically of worldly]. Do not condemn, [quickly or worldly] and you will not be condemned [quickly of worldly] Forgive, [just as your Father does] and you will be forgiven.

What matters not to Judge: Non-critical or “disputable” matters Food (Rom 14:1-6) Day of worship (Rom 14:1-6) Issues of the day (implied)

Should I really be the one to judge myself?

I Corinthians 10:23 “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others

What to AVOID when judging: Superficial – (John 7:24; Prov 18:13) Appearances Quick Hypocritical – (Matt 6:2; 7:1-5; Rom 2:1) Hallmark gripe against Christians Harsh/Unforgiving - (Matt 5:7; Titus 3:2) We will be on the other side soon enough Self-Righteous/Proud - (Jms 4:6; Lk 18:11) False/Slanderous – (Prov 19:5)

*** Make friends with those who inspire spiritual growth *** OR in other words *** Make friends with those who inspire spiritual growth ***

Be the righteous judge and … ….make righteous judgements