We all make determinations about many things based on our observations. Further, our experiences (whether good or bad) inform how we arrive at conclusions that guide decisions in our daily lives. This process includes our opinions about people. While making judgements is not inherently evil, the Bible cautions us against passing rulings over people as if we sit on the throne of God. Jesus taught on the Sermon of the Mount, “Judge not, that you be not judged. (2) For with the judgement your pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Mt 7:1-2). Let us be clear, Jesus does not prohibit exercising discernment about people, but we are to make right judgements that first examines ourselves in the light of God, thus He continues in his sermon, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice that log that is in your own eye? (4) Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is a log in your own eye? (5) You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Mt 7:3-5). The point is, we need to evaluate our own sin in the presence of God before we can address that of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
James (who was a disciple of Jesus) would have been present during the Sermon on the Mount. In the focus text of this devotional, it appears he is reflecting on these teachings as he instructs the church about the important matter of judging those within the community of faith. He offers two simple points we shall explore.
Do not sin in your speech about others. This is a warning against slander. James says, “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers…” The act of maligning others flows out of spirit of envy and reflects the works of the devil. Remember the Greek word for devil (“διάβολος,” transliteration: diabolos) means false accuser. When we love someone, we will endeavor to speak and act in a way that edifies them towards God (Eph 4:29). In contrast, when we harbor resentment in our hearts, our sinful nature will be the primary force of our disposition, not the Spirit’s nature. As a result, our behavior and attitudes will be more in sync with the devil. This type of judgement of people will destroy Christian fellowship and breaks the royal law, “Love thy neighbor thyself.”
There is only One Judge. To slander one another is to set aside the law of God and place oneself at the same level of God, as the Judge, thus James says, “The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge” (v11). Speaking evil against one another is based on false judgment that can tear down a persons life. Only God has the final authority to preserve or end life. Which is why James reminds the church, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy…” (v12, cf., Mt 10:28).
Remember, the Bible says that all judgment is given to Jesus Christ (Jn 5:22). We are commanded to depart from making determinations about people that condemn. For all are beset with weaknesses and sin. If we obey the royal law, we shall be fruitful in being a law follower, rather than a lawgiver. While there is nothing wrong with discerning the right and wrong that people do, we must be careful on passing judgment over one’s life. Only God has total view of that persons life that informs their actions and motivations (Heb 4:12-13). The Christian is agent of grace and mercy (as one who has receive it from God). We leave judgement to God as He is the only that can judge correctly and not sin. We are speak and act towards one another through grace and truth as fellow servants of God, not God himself. Let us truth set us free in Jesus name, Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com