So often, when people do crazy stuff and have their actions questioned by a believer in Christ, they respond with the creme de la creme of rebuttals: “Christians aren’t supposed to judge.”
It matters not they usually have no earthly idea what they are talking about, or where they even get that phrase; they simply respond with a pious sneer and proudly shut down any criticism from those concerned enough to say anything.
Sadly, many Christians don’t even understand what Jesus meant when He said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). Therefore, as so often is the case, unbelievers, who only know enough about Jesus to use Him as an excuse, intimidate Christians into silence.
But what is really sad is when Christians REALLY do what we’re accused of (make assumptions from which we cast judgment).
It happens all the time… like when we see someone on the side of the road with a sign that says, “Will work for food,” or, when you are sitting in your car and a woman walks up and taps on the window, only to ask if you have some spare change.
Who are we to say that they are lying? Is it possible they really do need money for a fan belt, a gallon of milk, or a bus ticket home? Is it just possible the scruffy-looking, unkempt fellow or madam you’re looking at is, in actuality, a heavenly messenger? An angel?
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. – Hbr 13:2 KJV
During this time of world chaos and financial uncertainty, it is far more likely that the “bum” on the side of the road is actually homeless or out of work. Who knows for what reason he/she is there? Are we to pass judgment upon them?
Maybe we should just love them and do what we can to help when we are confronted – or before. In one of the same chapters that talk about not judging another unjustly are found the following verses:
Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do for others as you would like them to do for you. – Luke 6:30-31 NLT
By not giving that dollar or two to the one who asks, are we not, in actuality, disobeying a direct command of Jesus?
Really, by not giving, are we not committing two sins? One would be that we did not give when asked; the other that we judged them unworthy. It would seem to me that it would be the better part of wisdom, not to mention a display of our faith in action, to entertain the “stranger.”
Who knows, he may actually be taking notes for his Boss in heaven.
God will be the Judge. Just be faithful.
Wow. I am humbled. wonderful Op. How lovely is his word. I wish I could have captured your thoughts as you were reading. I always wonder when people read to they make several choices as they read good or bad as to their world view. I will have to go read Matthew 6-7 and Luke6 and Hebrews 13 and I gather 1 Corinthians6 might have crossed your mind as well. If you read a few others in your study, I would love to know which ones. What came forward from your study was wonderful. I will look to see how it can apply to me.
Well said.