When I speak to other Christians about sin or tele-evangelists misusing their position, I am told not to judge lest I be judged. But the Bible says that judgment begins in the house of God. What is the biblical response?
Answer:
We are not called upon to make judgments about people’s relationship to the Lord because we are unable to see into their inner heart. He alone knows who is genuinely a Child of God. Consider the Parable of the Tares and Wheat – Matt 13:25-43, especially v.41.
However, the Lord has told us clearly that we may judge the quality of people’s profession by the fruit of their lives. He said, “You will know them by their fruits” Matt 7:16. (Compare Matt 7:21-23). If they claim to be an apple tree and sour grapes are hanging from their boughs, we have a God-ordained responsibility to warn them of impending danger. “Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:20. (Also meditate on Ezek 33:1-16).
We are not called to criticise, condemn and complain, but to exhort (encourage) one another daily, especially in the light of Christ’s soon return. (Heb 3:13; 10:24, 25).
