Ramblings on What We Share: Judge Not

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. I Corinthians 4:1-5

Paul says he does not judge himself. If we cannot even discern our own hearts to know the motives that drive us, how can we determine the darkness or light in another’s person’s heart? Have we not seen time and again individuals that we thought were strong, unmovable Christians exposed for the corruption that had sprouted in their heart and grew into horrific sin? On the other hand, have we not seen someone we thought unspiritual show an act of compassion or kindness to someone in need?

Have you ever noticed that the verse where Jesus says, “Judge not,” is immediately preceded by the verse where He says, “Be merciful” (Luke 6:36-37)? Judgment is not condemned because it sets a standard of right and wrong, it is condemned because it is unkind. As servants of Christ, we are called to love others unconditionally, despite their status with God or how much they engage in their favorite sin. We who have put our trust in the Lord who judges must allow Him to bring to light what is hidden in darkness in His way and in His time.