Do Not Judge - Part 1

Didn't God Instruct Us Not to Judge One Another?

"...Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment."II Chronicles 19:6

In the world today, the admonition not to judge is frequently used to place a virtual gag order over those who would speak up against popular and accepted world practices. Even some Christians will use a "don't judge" stance when erroneous teachings and ministries in the church are examined.

First we must understand that the Greek word translated as "judge" has multiple meanings.

krinō: 1) to separate, put asunder; 2) to approve, esteem; 3) to determine, resolve; 4) to pronounce an opinion concerning right & wrong or to to pronounce judgment; 5) to rule, govern; or 6) to contend together or dispute

A key to knowing God's instructions about judging is therefore understanding the context of its use.  Not doing so allows many to pervert Scripture in an attempt to strip it of truth and water down a Christian's responsibility before God in discerning what is right.  False prophets are also misusing Scriptures like "touch not my anointed" and "do my prophets no harm" in order to protect their doctrines and actions from exposure. The word judge has been so perverted that to judge anything is now considered by many to be anti-Christian behavior, and anyone who does so is likely to be labeled as an "accuser of the brethren."

Well, what does God have to say on this subject? Is it true that Christians are told not to judge? The simple answer is no. In fact, according to Scripture those who do not judge are more likely to be led astray by false doctrines and are less effective witnesses for Christ.

To get a complete understanding of this topic, we will be looking at the following:

• Didn't God instruct us not to judge
  
• What does it mean to judge
• Who is supposed to judge
• How do we judge
• What are the restrictions on judging
• Why are we to judge