“But the Lord told Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 God’s Word Translation©).

People form opinions of other people within seconds. What people wear, colour of skin, weight, hair style, age, and (critically) whether they remind us of someone and whether we like, or dislike, that person we know.

Before we have really met them, interacted with them, or they had a chance to display their real self to us, we have judged them!

God does not see any of the things we use as a standard to judge; God looks at their real self deep in their heart and soul.

We would want a chance to be accepted before we are judged, but we do not offer that to others.

“Always do for other people everything you want them to do for you. That is [the meaning of] Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12 God’s Word Translation©).

Think about that.

A lot of Christians buy into the principle, “Stop judging”.

The powers of religion want members to believe that; otherwise the institution must surely be judged also.

But what the Bible says has a context. “Stop judging so that you will not be judged. Otherwise, you will be judged by the same standard you use to judge others. The standards you use for others will be applied to you” (Matthew 7:1-2 God’s Word©).

So, when you judge with love, fairness using a careful examination applied with humility following the process Jesus demanded (Matthew 18:15-17 God’s Word Translation©***), you are on sound ground, spiritually speaking.

Anything else comes from evil. And that should be judged.

***“If a believer does something wrong, go, confront him when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have won back that believer. But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you so that every accusation may be verified by two or three witnesses. If he ignores these witnesses, tell it to the community of believers. If he also ignores the community, deal with him as you would a heathen or a tax collector” (God’s Word Translation©).

There are times recently when it tempts me greatly to withdraw from society and live in seclusion. Read more…

A lot of Christians buy into the principle, “Stop judging”. Read more…

Humour can be a powerful teacher. Even God knows that! So Jesus used humour, quite a bit.

Look at the story Jesus told about sawdust and wooden beams. Read more…