Have you ever done something, but it turned out differently than you thought it was going to? You may have meant to help someone, but in the end you actually hurt them? These sort of things are common, yet they can have long-lasting ramifications. I read a great quote earlier this week, unfortunately I can’t remember where I read it or who said it (my apologies to that person). The quote said, “we judge people based on their actions while expecting everyone else to judge us by our intentions.” I think that is one of the most accurate assessments I have read in a long time. If you are on Facebook you have seen this time and time again unfortunately. Someone will say something or do something and then all of the sudden there is a massive backlash against them. Obviously one recent occurrence of this has been concerning Phil Robertson and Duck Dynasty. Feelings run very deep on both sides of the controversy. However, the one thing that is consistent on both sides of the argument is this, each side is judging those on the other side. Each side is claiming to be tolerant of all people, loving all people, and for equality for all people. However, neither side is achieving what they are claiming.
Jesus talked about judgment in Matthew 7:1-6. Now please do not make the mistake to simply quote the first verse of “judge not let ye be judged.” You need to read the entire context of what is being said. Jesus is talking about do not judge others when you yourself are doing the same thing. Hence, “don’t judge a person based on their actions while expecting everyone else to judge you by your intentions.” One of the most frustrating parts of the Phil Robertson controversy was the blatant hypocrisy on both sides. For those who want to claim “free speech” you must understand that free speech gives you the right to say what you want, but it doesn’t protect you from the consequences that may come as a result of those you represent not agreeing with you. For those who claim “tolerance” and “equality” you forfeit the right to say you are “tolerant” or want “equality” when you punish those whom you disagree with. So that it does not appear as though I am casting stones at those who have voiced their opinion regarding Mr. Robertson’s opinion without giving mine I will say where I stand. This will not come as a surprise, but I completely agree with what the Bible says about homosexuality. It is a sin, it is condemned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. However, as Mr. Robertson also pointed out, the Bible condemns all forms of sin. Therefore, the sins that I commit put me under the same condemnation as a homosexual. That is why Jesus came to earth and gave His life for us. Without the sacrifice of Christ, we are all in trouble.
The point is this, you must decide are you going to make up your mind based on the actions of a person or the intent behind the actions? Whichever, you choose you must also be ok with others doing the same to you (good luck with that by the way). Why not leave the judging up to the only One who sees both the actions and the intentions as we see in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” That frees us up to look past the mistakes made and see a person who needs the love of God in their life. It frees us up to give people the benefit of the doubt when they hurt us (and yes they will still hurt us). It ultimately frees us up to love our neighbor as our self which is the second greatest commandment (Mt. 22:39).
By His grace and through His strength may we live for Him
It puzzles me as to how (as we are told in the Bible) if we see someone in sin we are to turn them from it, if every time we attempt to do that, we are condemned, lashed out at as you also sin, love your neighbor. I think the problem is I can see the sin in my life, and I ask for God’s grace and forgiveness, I know it to be sin, but others think they can sin and continue to sin and don’t anyone dare, lest you are a cruel and judgmental person,say anything about it.
Phil Robertson also pointed out other sins as being the same but it seems homosexuality is the straw. Phil never said he did not sin, he answered a question with a Biblical response.
I think Jesus pointed out all sin is equal, but thieves, liars, adulterers, etc. never jump in your face.
I do know, if anyone sees me sinning, straighten me out, as the word tells us to do. I would expect nothing less.
Hugs
Jean,
You are right. I think one of the reasons people get so upset when they are told they are wrong is that no one likes to be told they are wrong. I agree with you, that if I am sinning I need someone to point it out in a loving manner as the Bible commands us to (Eph. 4:15), but I also have to admit I don’t like it. Another verse popped into my head just a moment ago, and I think it sums up why the world is so against Christianity. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” The world sees Phil Robertson and those who agree with him as narrow-minded, judgmental, and hateful. What did Phil do wrong? Nothing, he simply quoted Scripture. But the world cannot understand God’s truth, unless God teaches them. I believe one thing we as Christians need to be reminded of is this, we can’t expect the lost to act like the saved. That is why it is so imperative that as we preach against sin as the Bible tells us to, that we also point them to the Savior who can forgive them. Thank you for your comment.
Pastor Justin