Evaluate Without Judging

Jesus said, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." (Matthew 7:1-2 NKJV). I once heard about a lady who told her pastor that her greatest talent was seeing the faults in others. Her pastor wisely advised her that the Lord would be very pleased if she were to bury that particular talent. (See Matthew 25:25). Jesus clearly taught that we love one another, even to the point of loving our enemies.

However, Jesus was not saying that it is inappropriate for believers to evaluate the spiritual condition of others and their deeds. The Apostle Paul said, "Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things." (1 Corinthians 2:15 NLT). He went on to say, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV).

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he said that believers should "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." (Ephesians 5:11 NKJV). Obviously, to be obedient we must identify the unfruitful works of darkness and then be bold enough to expose them in a spirit of love and concern. "God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love — like Christ in everything." (Ephesians 4:15 The Message).