To judge or Not to Judge...
It is often said that the Bible says we are NOT to judge, but is that really true? The truth is, Scripture seems to give a mixed message on this topic. In one place it says we are not to judge, lest we be judged. In another place it states that we should not only judge, but we should condemn and expel others from fellowship based on that judgment. Can these two teachings be reconciled? I believe so, and rather simply. We are not to judge others on how they worship, but we are to judge others on how they live. The context for not judging others in the New Testament is around religious observation: holy days, unclean food, etc. The context for judging others in the New Testament is on the basis of morality. Though none in the church are perfect, all should be seeking to live by the guidelines God has established. Someone caught cheating on their taxes or having a baby out of wedlock should not be shunned. Neither should a homosexual. But all should be counseled on what the Word o