Many people are familiar with (Matthew 7:1). In this verse, Jesus says not to judge others, or you will be judged. Some people use this scripture out of context, like many other texts in the Bible. They use this verse as an excuse to continue their sins.
A few chapters later in (Matthew 18:15-17), Jesus says, “Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Here we see that we are to discuss in private one’s sin, but if that person refuses to listen, take it higher. Having done all that, if the person still refuses, view that person as one who doesn’t accept the gospel and move on.
Other verses about correction or judging:
“As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. (1 Timothy 5:20) Fear in this verse means “fear of sinning.”
“Judge not according to the appearance but judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24). You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” This is pretty much like that. Just because someone looks a certain way doesn’t necessarily mean they are in active sin. This is why we are to treat all people with love. It could be an angel (Hebrews 13:1-2) or God could be testing you to reveal to you what’s in your heart.
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2). Reprove means to scold or correct gently, or with kind intent. Rebuke means to express sharp, stern disapproval of. Exhort means to strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something.
There is a Book in the Bible, “Judges,” that discusses justice and law. What does a judge do? They judge, correct, and bring justice and law. The judges of our time do the same thing.
According to the Oxford Dictionary:
A judge is a person able or qualified to give an opinion on something. The word judge also means to decide.
Correct means free from error; in accordance with fact or truth. It also means, put right (an error or fault).
Stop saying, “The Bible says do not judge,” as an excuse to sin. If you were exempt from correction, then Jesus dying on the cross for your sins would have been for nothing. God is the Ultimate Judge, but as Followers of Christ, we have the authority to go out and spread the gospel. That includes correction, but there is a way to do it.
Matthew 7:2 says, “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” This verse is referring to the delivery of your correction. When you are on an assignment from God to reach and correct certain people, be sure your delivery is one of love. (Galatians 6:1) says to restore (correct) in a spirit of gentleness. That means being gentle with your approach and delivery.
CORRECTION-DELIVERY (DO’s & DON’Ts)
DON’Ts:
- Do not deliver correction in a fearful or abusive way. Don’t correct someone using fear or in a reviling (verbally abusive) way.
- Do not deliver with hostility or force it. That goes hand in hand with example 1. Check your tone, demeanor, and mannerisms when correcting someone.
- Do not try to correct someone when you are active in the same sin. That makes you a hypocrite. (Romans 2:1, Matthew 23:27)
- Do not try to correct in a way like you are holier than thou. If you think being a modern-day pharisee is appealing, it is not. You are no better than the next. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
Seriously, why would anyone want to take correction from someone who is making them feel like a burden or outcast? You wouldn’t want correction delivered to you in that way, so don’t deliver it to others in that way.
DO’s
- Do it in a gentle, loving way. (Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:15)
- Do it with humility.
- Do it in an understanding way. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Humble yourself when you are correcting someone. Your delivery should be welcoming, loving, gentle, and precise.
As followers of Christ, we are to use discernment and correction to help God’s people, so if you are on the receiving side of the Word, be honored that someone is taking the time to correct you. It shows selflessness and that they care. After trying a few times, we are instructed to reject or walk away from anyone refusing correction. The following Bible verses say:
“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10-11)
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:6)
“And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.” (Matthew 10:14)
Take note, not everyone who corrects you is from God. A person sent from God, He asked them to, and they are being obedient. Also, there’s a verse that says, “If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.” (Ezekiel 3:18). Listen… I don’t want those problems on my hands. I am going to tell what He asks of me. This way, I am obedient and cautious.
As for someone who was not sent from God, it could be a false prophet. One who falsely speaks things, saying it is from God, but it is not. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15). If you are spiritually dead or living according to your flesh, it may be hard to discern true from false. However, if you want to know if someone was sent from God, pray about it. You usually feel it in your spirit. God will also confirm what is from Him. Anything that contradicts the Word of God is a lie. A true prophet or teacher will never instruct you to do something that the word of God says not to do. The word of God is the Bible and whatever He has spoken to you.
There is a fine line between judging and correcting. People who oppose correction won’t get far in life, especially in their walk with Christ. Until we die, we will be corrected. Correction is necessary for spiritual growth and growth in general. “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). Consider yourself blessed to receive a word from God. If you choose not to accept it, He won’t force it. As mentioned earlier, those of us in ministry can shake the dust off our feet and keep it moving. You can decide if you will accept the gospel or reject it.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Disclaimer: I am not a theologian or Bible scholar. Any Bible Study posts on RISE’s website are for perspective purposes only; to help others understand the Word from a different point of view. If you have any questions or concerns, click here for RISE’s contact page where you can fill out a contact form or email us at rise.risechosen.org.