Christianity: Do Not Point the Finger, Instead Correct Your Brother

When we were young and still in elementary school we had a lot of friends and tried really hard to fit in. We tried our best to impress our friends. Always trying to make them laugh, always trying to show them new things we learned so we can be "cool." However, there came a point where we made fun of, got the finger pointed at, or, to make it easy to understand; judged. Not that we didn't judge them either, but I'm just trying to state the fact that this starts early in life.

Now, this is programmed in society. We are always looking at other people's faults and pointing the finger at them. We wrongly accuse people and this is not going away by itself. It takes a higher power for us human beings to learn how to get rid of judging others.

Lets take a look at the Bible, what does it say about judging others? If you read, you will learn...

"1 Do not Judge others, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plain in your own eye?" [Matthew 7:1-3]

That quote came directly from Jesus Christ. Why does he say this in the Bible? It must be of real importance if Jesus himself stated not to judge others. Again, why does he say this? Well, God is the supreme judge. It is God's job to judge, we are not given that authority. We don't have the right to judge people, that is God's job.

You may argue: If we can't judge people, does it mean judges can't judge criminals? When someone does something wrong, we can't judge them?

Those who's job is in the Justice department and judge criminals are doing their job. They have the authority to do that job, if you read this excerpt you will understand...

"17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." [Matthew 5:17-20]

It clearly states that we should not break the Law and those who practice will be rewarded in heaven. Now, we can infer that those who have the authority, for example: law enforcement, judges, and the military, have the right under God to enforce their laws. It is their job to do what is right and judge accordingly to the commandments that we must follow. By commandments I mean laws.

Back to the subject on judging others, this is what Jesus says after he first stated we shouldn't judge...

"5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." [Matthew 7:5]

Now, that doesn't mean that if your brother/sister is doing something wrong that you can't advise them or guide them to the right decision. You can give them advice and tell them what they are doing is wrong but you can't judge them or condemn them; it is not your job to condemn. Judging and giving someone advice are too different things. God judges; we can give advice. Read for yourself...

"11 God's saving grace has appeared to all people. 12 It teaches us to say no to godless ways and sinful longings. We must control ourselves. We must do what is right. We must lead godly lives in today's world. 13 That's how we should live as we wait for the blessed hope God has given us. We are waiting for Jesus Christ to appear in all his glory. He is our great God and Savior. 14 He gave himself for us. By doing that, he set us free from all evil. He wanted to make us pure. He wanted us to be his very own people. He wanted us to long to do what is good. 15 Those are the things you should teach. Cheer people up and give them hope. Correct them with full authority. Don't let anyone look down on you." [ Titus 2:11-15] (New International Reader's Version, It's easier to understand)

So my friend, now that we've discussed the difference between judging your brother/sister and correcting him/her, do God's will. I'm not perfect but I try my best, in every day of my life after accepting Jesus into my heart, not to judge anyone. I have learned that it's not my job to condemn anyone or judge them. I repent for the times I did and I repent if I ever do so again. Jesus Christ is our Saviour, we must try our best to follow his path to salvation. God is waiting for us in Heaven my friend, its up to us to do the right things in life to get there.