Quit Being So Judge-y

What is the main complaint unbelievers often share about Christians? I haven’t ever taken an official poll, but my sense is that answer would revolve around the idea of being judgmental. Here’s the thing – True Christ-followers believe in absolute, authoritative truth. We believe the Word of God stands over and above the cultural vibes, social media trends, and political agendas. The very nature of having a Biblical World View means we call much of what the world promotes either “error” or “immoral”. We didn’t label it that, nor do we get to change that … God, in His Word, did! Now comes the rub – How to hold such a position in a way that avoids being described as “judge-y”. Of course this isn’t our highest goal, but it is a goal. The apostle Peter teaches us as much in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” We need to be careful to not think that we connect with a lost world by trying to be as close to the culture they live in, but with a better message. That’s not a courageous witness. We also don’t want to be disconnected from the culture to such a degree that we miss opportunities to speak into our world. Peter had it right! We are ready to speak the plain truth of the Word of God, AND we do it with gentleness and respect. Judgment resides in the heart, so if you find yourself sounding too judge-y, perhaps you need to remind yourself of the very thing the apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian church, “And such were some of you.” (1 Corinthians 6:11) Never forget from where God rescued you, and you’ll treat others with gentleness and respect, free from the spirit of judgment.