Articles
You Have No Right
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” (Matt. 7:1)
Phrases like: “I don’t mean to criticize” or “I don’t want to appear to be mean” a conversation quickly turns into an argument. Though the intention may come from a pure heart, emotions run high when criticism is involved. People must be open for feedback, but often both parties respond spontaneously, resulting in verbal and sometimes physical altercations. Offering constructive criticism must be done with tact. When it comes to pointing out Biblical truths, there are times when words must be firm with clarity.
A natural response to a perceived attack is to say, “Don’t judge me!” Many will point to this Scripture, though out of context, to prove their argument. A Christian must not retaliate but calmly offer a response if the other party is willing to listen. Instead of simply telling someone how or what to think, it is beneficial to ask them thought-provoking questions. The goal of this approach is that it turns the subject on the other person. They must come to their conclusions and hopefully answer honestly.
Naturally, Jesus is the perfect example of how to communicate. Even when people sought to trip Him up with a so-called gotcha question or rebuke Him, the Lord had a response. An example occurs in Luke 10:25ff. An expert of the Law came to Jesus and wanted to bait the Lord. The man asked the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 25) Jesus turned the question around on the man by asking, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” (v. 26) One may believe that this is deflecting or refusing to answer the question. Jesus is answering the question. He is saying, “What does God’s word say?” The ironic thing was that the lawyer gave the correct response (v. 27); however, his heart was far from the Lord.
Whenever we respond to someone that needs correction, we need to do so with discernment. Keep the Lord’s words close, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (Jn. 7:24). On occasion, the Lord had to vigorously admonish His disciples (cf. Mk. 16:14; Lk. 9:55). Additionally, the Lord had to rebuke the religious leaders for their failures to adhere to the Law of Moses and their blatant hypocrisy (cf. Matt. 23:13ff). Every time Jesus became angry or critical of others, it was justified. A crucial point to keep in mind was that He had self-control (cf. 2 Tim. 1:7). Anger did not control Him (cf. Eph. 4:26f).
Learning to control one’s vessel takes effort, especially when one has to offer or receive criticism. Once Paul became a Christian, he had to learn and continue to work at this throughout the rest of his life (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24ff). Like Christ, Paul had to instruct and correct many who were rebellious (cf. Gal. 1:6ff). Paul stressed, “Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28). It would be understandable by human standards to want to give up. We must keep in mind the long-suffering of God (cf. 2 Pet. 3:9).
Criticism feels painful at the moment. Hopefully, it comes from a person who truly cares and loves you. Solomon wrote, “Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy” (Prov. 27:5-6). A person who truly cares will warn someone heading down the wrong path. Sadly, many have fallen into a pit, and the way out is through the help of a true friend. A faithful Christian is that true friend.
Christians need to follow the example of Jesus. It should be unnecessary to state the obvious. The Lord did not shy away from having difficult conversations. He cared for a person’s soul and their eternal destination. The question that we must ask ourselves is, “Do I care about this person’s eternal wellbeing?”
