Christian Living

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Yes You May Judge Others
© 2007

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Thirteen year old Andrea Jorski had been caught shoplifting from a Macy’s Department store in Oklahoma City. She now stood before a juvenile judge awaiting sentence.

“I know this is the first time you have been in trouble with the law, young lady,” the judge said, “and I have read and heard many reports testifying to the fact that you are a straight “A” student in school, a cheerleader, outstanding athlete in two sports, attend church each and every Sunday, that you have two loving and respected parents, and that you are of good character, generally. Let this be a lesson to you. And that is, who you associate with reflects upon your behavior and character. Learn to stay away from the influence of people who do evil things. Do you have anything to say in your own behalf before I pass sentence, Andrea?”

“Only,” Andrea said, choking back tears, “that I wish it had never, ever happened. I didn’t listen to my mother and father who I’ve hurt. But more than anything I’ve hurt my God because He knows I know the difference between right and wrong. I just did something really stupid and uncalled for. But you can believe me, judge, this will never, ever happen again. I’ve learned my lesson. I’m so sorry for what I’ve done!”

The judge nodded. “I believe you, Miss Andrea Jorski, but the court has a criterion for such crimes and I must, under the law, sentence you to one year at the juvenile detention center in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. However,” the judge continued. “I am going to suspend your sentence and put you on 30 months probation instead. If you’re on good behavior, obey your parents, continue to do well in school, avoid the teens that help get you into trouble and make restitution for what you stole; you will get what you wish for. I will expunge this offense from the record, and it will be as if nothing had ever happened. Do you understand everything I have said Miss Jorski?”

“Yes, judge, I do. I will do as you have ordered me and more to correct the sin I have committed.” Andrea had no further problems and her crime eventually was wiped off the books. Andrea Jorski grew in wisdom and knowledge becoming a model citizen, an outstanding parent later in life, and a humble, merciful and compassionate Christian woman.

Jesus Christ is a merciful and compassionate judge as well. In I John 1:9, it is written that “If we confess out sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” In other words, Jesus will suspend your sentence upon your admission of guilt and upon hearing your plea for mercy, compassion and forgiveness. By the same token, Jesus advises His followers to be merciful, compassionate and forgiving to others as He is to you. One of Jesus’ strongest promises is that He will judge each of us on the basis of the mercy, compassion and forgiving spirit shown to those who have offended us no matter how serious the offense was toward us.

When you find another person in some act or action that is less than virtuous, step back and look at the person’s demeanor and character before passing judgment. Search for words that are contrite, determine their character and their willingness to make restitution so as to help that person regain self-respect and standing in their social and church communities.

So many Christians are caught up in the secular world’s lack of understanding regarding judgment. One may hear even Christians say: “I can’t judge someone. Or I’m not allowed to judge anyone. And it’s a sin to judge anyone.” THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE! It is by what standards you judge a person—by God’s standards or by human standards without the principles of God. God expects us to discern (judge) but by HIS standards.

What are these standards? God’s standards demand we be understanding, merciful, compassionate and forgiving. It is mercy of this quality that is appreciated when the shoe is on the other foot and it is also the kind of mercy Jesus will remember, as He has said time and time again, when we come before Him seeking His compassion, mercy and pardon here below and in our hereafter.

To help one make Godly judgments ask these questions when assessing their sincerity for correcting their sin:

1. Does the person admit to having wrong you or committed a wrong against someone else or society?

2. Does the person appear sincere?

3. Does the person appear respectful and honest?

4. Does the person appear to have a desire to right the wrong they committed?

5. Does the person desire to make some form of restitution if property is involved or attempt to restore a person’s good name?

6. Does the person state he or she will not commit the offensive act again?

7. Does the person appear humble and contrite in their request for forgiveness?

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