Reason frankly with neighbors so as to not share in their guilt ( Leviticus 19:17)Įxpose fruitless deeds of darkness ( Ephesians 5:11) Instruct the wise so that they may grow wiser ( Proverbs 9:9) Preach the word and correct, rebuke, and encourage with complete patience and careful instruction ( 2 Timothy 4:2) Restore those caught in transgressions gently ( Galatians 6:1) Rebuke those who persist in sin ( 1 Timothy 5:20)
In fact, the Bible encourages us in many passages to patiently confront those who do wrong, promising us that, “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” ( James 5:20). Doing so often involves respectfully rebuking the sinful behavior of others and pointing out the path back to salvation. We are to use our discernment to spread the Gospel and help others live Christ-centered lives.Īs disciples of Christ, we’re commissioned to spread the Gospel and bring others to Him ( Matthew 28:19-20). This second prong of judging “correctly” involves warning those who are sinning as to what the Bible says about their transgressions.
Once we’ve gained the ability to discern (or, correctly judge) matters through the lens of Scripture, we’ll have removed the “plank” from our eye and can move onto the second step in exercising sound judgment-namely, helping our brothers and sisters remove the specks from their eyes ( Matthew 7:5 John 7:24). Once we learn to exercise sound judgment aligned with Scriptural mandates, we can help others remove the “specks” from their eyes. A discerning person doesn’t readily believe everything he sees or hears, but keeps his reasoning aligned with God’s Word so as walk justly and steer clear of false prophesies ( Hosea 14:9 1 John 4:1). The discernment Christians must gain is the ability to ascertain what’s true and what’s false, to distinguish between what is Biblically right and wrong in all areas of life. To keep from being hypocritically judgmental, we must first focus on gaining the discernment necessary to correct our own shortcomings by rooting our judgment in the knowledge of Scripture ( Matthew 7:5).
Judgment day bible how to#
We must first remove the “plank” from our own eye by learning how to Biblically discern right from wrong. Second, and after we’ve corrected our own transgressions, we’ll have the clarity necessary to help others overcome their sins ( Matthew 7:5). condemning) others based on our own feelings of superiority since we all have the tendency to sin ( Ecclesiastes 7:20). First, we’re to avoid rashly judging (i.e. Instead, Jesus wants us to follow a two-step approach when exercising sound judgment. As should be obvious to any practicing Christian, Jesus didn’t intend for this verse to obliterate our ability to judge between behavior that the Bible encourages and behavior that the Bible forbids. Jesus tells us, “ Judge not lest ye be judged” ( Matthew 7:1). We are called not to judge others, but to exercise discernment rooted in the knowledge of Scripture. Instead, we’re to correct our own sins first by gaining discernment grounded in Scripture and, afterward, we can justly help others correct their transgressions as well ( Matthew 7:4-5).
Scripture warns us not to judge others based on our own self-righteousness because we all fall short of the glory of God and only God can know the state of anyone’s heart ( Romans 3:23 Proverbs 21:2). As Christians, we’re to spread the Gospel and help bring others to Christ ( Matthew 28:19-20).
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