Judging your neighbor correctly

This is an important lesson to teach because modern culture and  liberal Christianity have taught us that it is wrong to judge.  Fortunately the Bible is very clear on the topic and teaches us to even practice judging (Heb 5:14) others well.

You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.
– Leviticus 19:15

What is Judging?

#1. Telling the difference between good and evil
When we talk about judging, we mostly mean making a decision in our head about when an act or action is morally good, bad or neutral. This is  something that comes with time and practice and I encourage my kids to  judge often in order to practice -- and they do. They come to me often and tell me what they think about an issue and I correct them if they  are judging wrongly and affirm them if they are judging correctly, and, occasional I get stumped and we will think through it together.

As my children are young, I encourage them to keep their judgements to themselves mostly and discuss issues with us, their parents. As they get older and more mature they may be ready to take the next step, which may be to correct, confront, or even rebuke a person if need be.

#2. Telling someone they are wrong
Many people have a problem with judging altogether (even though they are  judging others when they take that position). However, even more people despise it when the judging involves telling someone they are wrong. You see – moral right and wrong only happen through people and their personal actions. So judging always involves people. Remember  the saying…

Hate the sin love the sinner.

That implies that the sin is wrong and not the person. We don’t judge the action we judge the person behind the action. It is not the action's fault it is the person's fault.

A good "judgemental" person who loves others will bring it up, correct them and, depending on the situation, even harshly rebuke them if  need be.

God loves those who judge in a good, right and wise manner and He even warns that those who do not judge – hate their brother in their heart (Lev 19:17).

You can’t be middle of the road on this one. Go, study the truth in the Bible – and get judgmental.