"Let Us not Pass Judgment"

“Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” (Romans 14:10-13 ESV)

Judging is not what Christ taught. We may confront a brother or sister in their sin, but judging leads nowhere. Many people who are new in faith leave churches for just this reason. Polls have consistently shown that hypocrisy and judgment are two of the primary reasons people leave a church. In writing to the Roman’s Paul counsels them on this very thing. Judging not only destroys the bride of Christ but also wounds the spirit of our fellow believers.

You may have been raised in the church, which is a wonderful thing, but it can also be detrimental to others. Some who are sheltered by the church have never really dealt with the real world.  It is amusing how, as we mature in Christ, we often forget where we began. Sinners all, we are still, yet in Christ, we were all reborn. We were all, and some are still, babes in Christ.

I love how Paul said, “never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” But is that not what we do when we negatively criticize or harshly “question” a newer brother or sister? Our life may be a blessing, but many come to the church with damaged lives. Placing blocks in their paths is counterproductive and damaging. Most often, the toxicity of a church comes from poor, unprepared, and even unqualified pastors. The result is felt like a wave of tension within the body of the church. It happened to me, and I left that church quickly.

I recently had a conversation with a loved one to whom I gave the same advice. If a place of worship causes one stress, anger, embarrassment, or any negative emotion, it is no longer a house of God. John wrote, “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.”( 2 John 1:9-11) A church without elders, or one with limited oversight of its leaders, is prone to failure. This means that a church without strong, wise, and godly leaders is at risk of losing its way, as these leaders are responsible for guiding the church in the right direction and ensuring that it stays faithful to the teachings of Christ.

You are a member of the body of Christ. Each member of the church is vital to those around them. Helping one another in love, just as Christ helped his apostles, is a necessity. Guide, do not push. Lead with scripture, correct with care and love. Being new in a church and surrounded by people who genuinely care that you are there changes everything for not only new believers but for every believer. Your love and support are integral to the church community.

Grace and Peace.