Judgmental Christians..

February 15th, 2012 6 Comments

If there’s one thing I cannot stand, it’s a judgmental Christian. It’s a personal beef I have. Maybe because I can be that person sometimes. And I hate it. I hate the way it looks and acts. I hate the things it says and does. I just have a difficult time with people who think they’re better than someone else.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:23)

and

No one is righteous—not even one. (Romans 3:10)

I want to be careful here that I don’t break off into a rant..and become..um..judgmental. Because grace belongs to all. And we all need it. Everyone has something they struggle with. EVERYONE! So, these judgmental Christians that I mention here need grace as well. Their sins of casting judgment, being prideful, and self-righteousness are no better or worse than the things that I struggle with. I want grace from them..so as much as I hate it, I need to extend them grace.

So here we are in today’s reading plan (Romans 2). I have many thoughts on this section of scripture but I want to hear what it speaks to you. Read this next section and let me know how it affects you today.

1 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things.3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?

4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

One of my favorite verses in the Bible, Romans 2:4, it’s his kindness that leads us to repentance, not some self-righteous Christian’s judgment.

Shouldn’t it be “normal” for Christians to be the most accepting group of people on the planet..not the most judgmental?

Posted in normal christian life, reading plan take-aways |
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  • http://twitter.com/SweetLoveGifts Renée Michaels

    Love your post! I feel it speaks to many—that judgment of others is something we all struggle with, no matter denomination or lack thereof. Thank you for tackling a difficult subject.

  • Wendy Zimmermann

    It was great to read this. I am an atheist and grew up with very Christian family.  I have always been the same person. I care! I would rather do good than bad.  I volunteer all year and I support christian values, but because I am an atheist, I am considered a bad person!  I will admit, I love your faith. I admire it and wish I could have it, but I can’t.  I just want people to know, it is harder to live without any thing than to live with with hope! I would switch in a second!  

    • http://www.treybailey.net Trey Bailey

      Hey Wendy..thanks for stopping by and reading. I appreciate it. And I hope you stop by frequently and join the conversation. I won’t try to convert you in the comment section of a blog post (hahaha)..but I do hope you’ll keep reading. And I love your honesty and bravery by even posting. Thank you for that. My desire is that this place will be welcoming to all, applicable to most, and challenging to some. But most of all..SAFE. A safe place to ask questions, have doubts, and maybe be encouraged. So, a sincere thanks for commenting..

  • Melanie

    I guess my biggest issue is the fine line between judgement and trying to lead others to do what Christ wants us to do. There are many who think they are one in the same (especially those who are constantly trying to “trip-up” the Christians). If you try to tell them that they have done something displeasing to God, they call you judgmental because they not only want to be accepted, they want all their behavior to be accepted, too. In an effort to not be labeled “judgmental”, our world has become so complacent and tolerant of so many evils. Contrary to what some people believe, Christians can be accepting of all people, while at the same time, not accepting their sinful behavior. Not saying I have never been judgmental…I struggle with that daily. :-)   Thanks, Trey, for helping us to be better Christians and better people.

    • http://www.treybailey.net Trey Bailey

      Melanie,

      You bring up a great point of distinction (in my mind). If it is his kindness that leads us to repentance, and if He is the one that does the drawing (toward Him) not us doing the pushing..then our responsibility is to share the gospel with non-believers and encourage believers.

      In other words, we can’t expect someone who doesn’t know Christ to act like a Christ follower. But for those who have professed their faith in Christ, they are held to a different standard. Not one where we judge them..but in a discipleship community where we have invited someone in to help us walk the Christian path together..then (and only then, in my estimation) would there be correction for the believer who can’t recognize their own sin. But this is a two way street (iron sharpening iron). And it appears to work best in the parameters of authentic discipleship relationships. My accountability brothers can speak into my life with the truth because I’ve invited them to do so..I can receive it from them. And they have invited me to do the same with them. But if a random person comes to me telling me how bad I am and how I should change my wicked ways..well..THAT will probably fall on deaf ears. (hoping that makes sense)

      But as for the world..yes, it is evil..it is fallen..and it is hard to expect it to be any other way. It was that way for the Roman Christians too. They endured much persecution but continued to press on..and the church survived..and we are the recipients of that persistence.

      I LOVE what you say at the end..and I agree completely! “Christians can be accepting of all people, while at the same time, not accepting their sinful behavior.”
      The church is a hospital for the sick, not a country club for the righteous. As long as we are accepting of everyone, and then discipling each other instead of judging each other, I think we allow the church to become a reckoning force in this fallen world.

      • Melanie

        I guess what you say at the beginning about it being in “kindness” makes the difference. Sometimes, I just do it as a matter of fact and in response to something someone has said or done…not in response to them wanting my Christian or Biblical perspective. Of course, then there are the all-too-familiar instances when someone asks my opinion, when really all they want is for me to support their endeavors, even when I know it’s self-serving and not going to bring glory to God. Too, what you say about them being unbelievers, may have something to do with it. I usually just assume that if someone talks about God and grew up in church, they must be a believer; but sadly, the world is full of those kinds of people.

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