"...let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (Romans 14:13 NIV)
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37 NIV)
REBUKE: to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him." (Luke 17:3 NIV)
"Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning." (1 Timothy 5:20 NIV)
Often people confuse the above two terms. A person being rebuked for their sinful behavior mistakenly retorts with the oft-used phrase "Don't Judge Me!". Meanwhile, an extremist church stands outside an abortion clinic holding up signs that say "You're Going to Hell!"
Jesus made it clear in the Bible--judgment lies with God, not with people. Christians are not to pass judgement on each other or others. They have no right to decide what a person's reward or punishment should be. They have no right to be critical of others when they, themselves, are guilty of sin. However, this does not mean that Christians should not correct sinful behavior in each other or others. This is what's known as a rebuke. It is important that Christians give and take correction humbly and not maliciously.
On the other hand, Christians are told not to be "stumbling" blocks to one another. This means that if one Christian feels something is "wrong", and it is not expressly sinful according to the Bible, another Christian should not partake in this activity around the other. For example, one Christian believes drinking alcohol of any kind is wrong, another Christian believes that drinking is fine in moderation. However, the moderate Christian should respect the other Christian's conscience and abstain from drinking alcohol in their presence.
Moral of the story: Never Judge. Rebuke Sins. Respect Others' Consciences.
Love it! I was looking for something to post for some people I know that have been hurt by the actions of others. They are starting to pass judgement on the one that did the hurting, but there is no need. God is always in control. I was able to pass it on. Hopefully it helps ease the pain that was done and they stop the judging. Thanks and God bless.
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