Righteous Judgment – Part 3
What are some of Jesus’ teachings that instruct us to avoid unrighteous judgment? In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus said:
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three wit nesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
The first step is to speak to the brother privately about his offence. This is an uncomfortable step, but we must take it. Sure, it is much easier to go to others and start talking about someone else. That is part of the problem; we want to do what is easy, not what is right. Admittedly, it is difficult to talk to someone who has directly offended us, but it is the right thing to do. We must do this for the good of everyone involved, including ourselves.
Moreover, this action is consistent with the true Biblical teaching of love. Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for love shall cover the multitude of sins.” When we go to a brother privately and discuss things and resolve them, we have helped to prevent spreading things beyond what should be known publicly. The Holy Spirit calls this love. We should not desire to broadcast every person’s private sin to the world. This would greatly harm the cause of Christ! It is not loving God to do this nor is it loving our brother.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley