Have you ever judged someone based on their looks, personality, social status, color, gender, etc. Do not worry I am sure we all have at some point in time. Does that make it right, no. God has warned us against judging others.
Matthew 7:1-5 New International Version (NIV)
Judging Others
7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
I know I have posted something about this topic in the past, so do not judge me. Did you like that?
Is it ok to judge, yes depending on what it is you are judging. Judging a situation is perfectly acceptable. For example, walking down a dark ally may not be the smartest thing to do. You will judge the situation and determine if it is safe or not. This is not the same thing as judging a person. Nor is trying to prevent a person from doing something destructive as long as it is done in the right context and the only one that is acceptable is if it would displease the Lord.
I remember three Christmas’s ago that at my wife’s company party there was a young lady who was at the station to serve alcohol. This young lady had multiple piercings and tattoos. Admittedly, I did stare, but not because she was attractive or because of the tattoos or piercings in a negative way. I was really curious if all of that hurt. So I went up to her, apologized for staring, and then asked her if the piercings and tattoos hurt. The led us to continue talking about this while my wife danced. We had about a 30 to 45 minute conversation. Then something strange happened, she thanked me. She was grateful that I took the time to come over to her to talk instead of judging her based on her appearance.
In the end, we have all sinned. So are you really any better than a person who looks or acts slightly different?
Romans 3:23 New International Version (NIV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
I think of the ancient times when people were accused of having committed a sin against God if they were born with physical or emotional impairment. But we forget that this is all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 1:25-30 New International Version (NIV)
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
So if you are a Christian as you claim, I pray that you are able to put aside your prejudices and teach to those that need Christ so they too then can go out and teach to others who will need Christ. I pray that you will stop judging others and judge the situation for remember:
Ephesians 6:12-13 New International Version (NIV)
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.