Mature Faith Is Not Judgmental

Two award-winning television shows with similar formats have been running for decades. Civil litigants can bring their cases to The People’s Court or Judge Judy to be settled. The judges ask penetrating questions, demand evidence, and render verdicts that cannot be appealed.

These television shows are popular because we tend to enjoy judging others. Sometimes this is motivated by a love of justice or fairness, but often the truth is that we judge others because of our pride and self-righteousness.

That’s why James commands believers not to be judgmental, which is equated here with slander (v. 11). Doing so is a violation of the ninth commandment against bearing false witness (Ex. 20:16), as well as the “royal law” of loving our neighbor (2:8). Slander is one way the tongue gets out of control and does damage (3:3–12) and is doubtless part of what causes fights and quarrels (4:1).

The primary reason to avoid being judgmental is that “there is only one Lawgiver and Judge”—God (v. 12)! Only He judges with perfect accuracy and justice. We must not put ourselves in His place, which is the definition of pride.

This verse is often quoted out of context. We bristle with defensiveness and say, “Who are you to judge?” using this verse as a way to dismiss fellow believers’ rebukes or exhortations even when they are true, constructive, and loving. Many New Testament passages encourage us to exhort one another in the church (1 Cor. 5:12; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:13). Our rule and practice in this regard must be the rule and practice of Christ, who taught that with the measure we use it will be measured out to us (Matt. 7:1–5).

Pray with Us

As we continue praying for our Financial Aid Office, will you mention Heather Shalley, Nathan Grubb, Tammy Easter, and Vanita Francis? We praise God for their consistent service and kind patience here at Moody!

BY Brad Baurain

Dr. Bradley Baurain is Professor and Program Head of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Moody Bible Institute. Bradley has the unique privilege of holding a degree from four different universities (including Moody). He is the author of On Waiting Well. Bradley taught in China, Vietnam, the United States, and Canada. Bradley and his wife, Julia, have four children and reside in Northwest Indiana.