Scripture: James 2:1-13

Aim: To show the pupil basic Christian truth regarding making judgments regarding others.

Golden Text: “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons” (James 2:1). “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteousness judgment” (John 7:24). “He that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man” (I Corinthians 2:15).

“Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) is often quoted by folks when they have sinned in some way and have been confronted with that sin. “You’re judging! The Bible says, ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged!’.”

That does teach us not to judge others in a sinful way. However, both Old and New Testaments give instructions regarding making judgments. There are two areas in which we must never make judgments against others. One is regarding another’s motive for whatever is done, said, or left undone, or unsaid. No one knows “why” one does something unless that person tells what the motive is (even then, the real truth may not be known). Second, one must never make judgment against another concerning his destiny when he dies. Only God and the person know his or her motive, and only God and the person know whether he is going to heaven or hell.

Let me be quick to say that we can judge on the basis of the Scripture and say that if a person is contrary to the Scripture he is wrong, or lost, or whatever. One thing must always be remembered, God and Christ are alone the final judge of every person. His Word in truth, and every one should make whatever judgments according to the simple Word of God.

Read the three verses above in the Golden Text again. Any assessment, judgment, must be made without partiality (James 2:1).

To make judgments with bias is always wrong. It is hard for all of us to be unbiased about people and situations. Therefore, we must be very careful in making judgments, we must be loving, kind and willing to change our position should evidence warrant.

Any assessment must be done on the basis of righteousness and fact (John 7:24). Get the facts straight then act and react in a righteous manner, knowing God will judge our judgment!

The spiritually minded believer in Christ is commanded to judge all things that come into his life (I Corinthians 2:15).

Paul also says on one occasion that believers should judge themselves so that others will not need to judge them. The Bible principles, God’s Word-the Truth, must be our basic guide in regards to speech and conduct.

This is the standard when we make judgments regarding ourselves and others. This takes wisdom from God. Hence, we have a need to be learning the Word of God, and we need to seek the truth in each situation.

Too often when someone approaches one for counsel, judgments are made on the basis of friendship and, often, to please the person being counseled. This is sinful.

James points out that faith in God and Christ is vital if one would make the correct assessments of the affairs of life (James 1:6-8; 2:1).

It is important that one be a believer in Christ, and that he be single minded toward serving and obeying Him (1:8; 2:5).

He also points out that prayer must be made to God for the needed wisdom in making decisions and judgments (James 1:5).

Third, James says that to make judgments with respect of persons is a violation of God’s law (2:8-10).

Jesus said, “for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged” (Matthew 7:2). We shall be judged by the same kind of judgment we use in judging others. Any judgment we make should be made carefully and for the glory of God. Just remember: God is the Great Judge of us each and every one.