Judgment

[nebula]

In the Gospels, we see a time a group of people (Samaritans) refused to welcome Jesus. The brothers James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven in judgment against them.

But Jesus rebuked them, saying, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them."

(Luke 9: 51-56)

By the end of John's life, we an interesting occurance.

It is recorded that in his last days his body was so frail he had to be carried into the assembly (in case you didn't know, he had been released from the prison of Patmos). While there, he would continuously say, "Little children, love one another."

When asked why he kept saying that, his response was, "It is the Lord's command. If this alone be done, it is enough" (Jerome Commentary on Galatians at Gal 6:10]).

Why would he keep saying this if he did not deem it needful to be spoken?

So the question is, do you consider it loving to be focused on and point out the sin in others?

[goldust59]

I think we should "focus" on keeping ourselves in line. That's usually enough to keep anyone busy. I do think that it is more loving to try to help a brother or sister by pointing out a problem than just watch them continue in it. Sometimes the cares of the world can take our eyes off where we should be & make us easy prey for the enemy & he can be so sneaky that we don't even see we have a problem. I had much rather someone bring it to my attention so I can repent of it & move on.

[nebula]

I think we should "focus" on keeping ourselves in line. That's usually enough to keep anyone busy. I do think that it is more loving to try to help a brother or sister by pointing out a problem than just watch them continue in it. Sometimes the cares of the world can take our eyes off where we should be & make us easy prey for the enemy & he can be so sneaky that we don't even see we have a problem. I had much rather someone bring it to my attention so I can repent of it & move on.

So why did Jesus warn us about being quick to speak to a brother about his sin?

You know - taking the speck out of your brother's eye....

[other one]

So the question is, do you consider it loving to be focused on and point out the sin in others?

To be focused on, I would say no. but to point out sin without condemning I would say yes..... if you don't nag (unless you are a wife talking to you husband and then it's your job)

[goldust59]

I don't think it is something you should do before checking your own heart for motive. Are you pointing out the sin for their profit or because you look good in comparison? Jesus said to deal with your "beam" first, then you could see clearly to cast out the "splinter" of your brother's eye. So I think we should check ourself first & not be "quick to judge" & as oo said, not be condemning.

[Guest]

TO My Shame And To My Great Joy

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. Titus 3:2

He Is Still Working

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19

On Me

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:17-18

[Fez]

Some of our home group discussed this at our prayer meeting at our house last night

We came to the decision that we would point out to each other things we think might need attention. We agreed that this would be done in love, and that we would search our hearts for any ulterior motive or slightly judgmental attitude, and if we found an iota of either, we would not speak until the time was right with us.

Many a fight between friends has stared because of the approach to the problem and the feelings of guilt and hurt by the person on the receiving end.

We need to do it, yes. But we need to do it with total love (sometimes difficult), and total respect, and under total grace. A hard ask at the best of times. But we are instructed to do so.

[Isaiah 6:8]

Here is a post I posted a while back

I personally think that many people getreproving, judging, criticizing and discernment mixed up.

This is due in part to the Englishlanguage. You we call it good

[xequedox]

When i have not completely taken the speck out of my own in a personal problem and someone asks me about a situation i often make it very clear to as that i myself still have problems with this; as so we could deal with it together, but that's only if they would ask me. otherwise if i would ultamitely see a continuous downward slope where they would eventually fall i would take a leap forward to try and help. so rather then that yes i would agree to let one judge themselves. You are their Brother and Sister NOT their Judge!

Edited February 17, 2011 by xequedox

[nebula]

When the topic of sin in another's life comes up, the first reaction from most people seems to be the importance of confronting the person about their sin.

True there are a few Scriptures that support this, like saving one from the fires and such.

But yet I see even more Scriptures that speak of mercy, mercy mercy with regards to sin in others.

What do we know about applying mercy first?