Judging One Another

"There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another" (James 4:12)

Christians commit two types of sins related to criticism. One is that of criticizing others; the other is taking offense when they criticise us. Criticism is, in reality, judging, and as our text brings out, none of us are really qualified to judge others. Only God is qualified to judge. "Let us not therefore judge one another any more" (Romans 14:13).

Criticism almost inevitably generates resentment, quarreling, and enmity. It actually harms the character and testimony of the critic as much as that of the recipient. Even unspoken criticism is harmful. Love "seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil" (1 Corinthians 13:5).

This does not mean that Christians should condone doctrinal error or moral evil when circumstances indicate clear conflict with Scripture. "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24).

Now, while it is wrong for a Christian to criticise others, it is often true that others criticise us. What should we do then? The answer is hard, but here it is: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: . . . Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that Judgeth righteously" (1 Peter 2:21,23). There is a possibility that the criticism may be valid and, if so, we should be thankful and profit from it, difficult as this might be. Even if false and hurtful, however, it can still be helpful, for it has been granted to us by Christ, "not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Philippians 1:29). "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you," He said, "and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. . . . for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11,12). HMM

For more . . . .

Judging One Another

"There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another" (James 4:12)

This does not mean that Christians should condone doctrinal error or moral evil when circumstances indicate clear conflict with Scripture. "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24).

For more . . . .

This repetition is for emphasis.