The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

Do Not Be Judgmental

Not long ago a celebrity quoted these verses to back up her opinion that people should be tolerant of all kinds of aberrant behavior. Often, when Christians take a stand against sin, others throw these verses back in their faces. “Your own Bible says that you’re not supposed to judge,” they say with a sneer.

Today’s verses do not negate the need for critical thinking or making discerning judgments. Other places in the New Testament tell us to expose false teaching, admonish others when they need it and even exercise church discipline in cases of sinful behavior. Clearly we must make some judgments. The point is that we are not to have an attitude that is consistently condemning and critical, for that is not an attitude of love. We are not to attempt to take God’s place as judge. It may seem like a fine line, but believers can take a stand against sin without being judgmental toward the sinners. God created them, and he loves them too.

Christ has set us free to serve him with joy. Therefore, we can be discerning about sin without having a critical spirit.

God’s Promise to Me

You can take a stand against sin without being judgmental.

My Prayer to God

Lord, you say that we are not to take your place in judging others, for that judgment will be turned back on us. I pray for a discerning spirit, one that is able to see sin for what it is and deal with it honestly and lovingly while not being critical and judgmental.

Taken from Once a Day Bible Promises