Judging

[Diva_56]

Quote by Eclipse:

Over the last several weeks/months we have had several 'flaming' topics that touched on peoples religious convictions--abortion, single mothers, teen mothers, homosexuality, women in the pulpit, etc. Without fail, people who came down on the 'conservative', for lack of a better word, side of things were admonished for being judgmental, self righteous, and plain ol' unChirstlike. This caused me to do some self examination (and a brief Bible study) to see if I was ('cause I was one of those folks) indeed being judgemental and this is what I found. I hope you will read and receive in the spirit of love that it is given.
Most folks quoted, in part, Matthew 7:1 "Juged not, lest ye be judged" However, I think it is important to also look at a statement Jesus made regarding judging in John 7:24 "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." In addition, Paul states in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

I look at all of these passages and say that as Christians we cannot judge the hearts of others because we do not know their motives or intentions and we should not base things on how we think they 'look' (i.e. so and so is immoral because she did XYZ). We also should not judge people on things that we are doing. That is the ultimate hypicrocy (sp?). We should however, 'judge righteous judgement' those that are 'within' (i.e. other Christians). What I understand righteous judgement to mean is that we judge by a righteous standard and the only one righteous is the Father. So, as a Christian I should use the standard set by the Father and given to me in His Holy Word to judge other Christians. I cannot use it to judge those that are not Christians. As a Christian it is wrong for me to see sin and not speak against it.

I believe you are Eclipse
I totally agree with this statement. Me being a "victim" of such attacks see how others can get offended, but in the same token I am merely stating opinion in many of these forums that deal with the subsequent subjects. I too has had to re-evaluate myself, I did LOTS of prayer and I have come to the conclusion that I am on the right track... I'm am glad you cleared up Matthew 7:1. Like I said earlier this phrase deals with being hypocritical, and if anyone thinks that I have been hypocritical, unrightly jugemental, you may email me...

Eclipse I am glad you said that "As a
Christian, it is wrong for me to see sin and not speak against it." I have said this before and I stand firm with it to the day I die. I have understand people sin (Including MYSELF) and have that sinful nature, I will not be a person to condone sin in our world (And in myself) We all struggle with sin!! I know many are not living the Christian life, as Christians it is our job to preach the gospel and to help save souls of those who are willing (And not so willing if we can.) So in the future when one of theese "controversial" boards comes up (And there will be some) please I have asked this of my self to:

1. Be considerate and patient with other people situations and stories (inclding those that have different beliefs than you) but not deviating fom your opinion. I know this walk is hard but in the same token if there is something I disagree with I can state it without being bombarded with negativity???

2. When we deal with hypothetical questions, we all have the right to voice our subsequent reaction without being disrespectful and nasty. You should all know that when you ask a question your gonna get a plethora of answers, so don't be suprised by any of them, and if you want to respond, so do in any manner that toots your horn, it is up to madame moderator AKAtude to erase or not...

Also decided against not posting here at greekchat anymore, for my own reasons. You may email me at diva@ny.com if you have any questions about my decision. I feel it is in the best interest of my walk with God to do so. (Take it for what you want... I am not by any means assulting anyone Christiandom by just you merely chatting here, but the Holy Spirit has convicted me and for those purposes I am doing so.)


Well that's all I have to say,
Please remember that Jesus Loves You and He is the reason for the season,


Respectfully Yours,
Diva_56

[This message has been edited by Diva_56 (edited December 12, 2000).]