Matthew 7:13-20 and Luke 6:37-42
Judge not, and you will not be judged… (Luke 6:37a) Many Christians today are seen as judgmental, simply because they see issues differently than society’s currently accepted norms. Same-sex marriage and unmarried couples living together are two items that come to mind so often in terms of our “judgment” of others’ lifestyles. Basically, to many on the more liberal side of these issues, if we disagree we are being judgmental. I have (or have been with Carol when we have) had a number of conversations on these two topics. We lost some very dear friends when we turned down their invitation to attend their lesbian daughter’s wedding. And we got into a very heated discussion with another couple over them living together unmarried. In both cases we stood by Biblical principles, but were shut down as being judgmental. Jesus told us not to judge, but He also told us (through Paul’s and John’s writings) to discern between right and wrong (I Corinthians 12:10; I John 4:1). Judgment vs. discernment – we have to be careful. We may know what’s in our hearts, but others may view us quite differently! …which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed… (II Timothy 1:12a)
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