Perhaps as a Christian (or non-Christian if you are a guest here), you have encountered situations where you have tried to share an objective truth with somebody, only to have them tell you that you are being judgmental.

For instance, I have friends who are in church that have decided to result to drug use. Yet, when I try to explain to them that they should not do it because of Biblical reasons, they simply say that I am being judgmental. It seems like a sort of way to escape reflecting on the situation honestly.

Yet, not once did I pass judgment upon them by saying they are hell-bound, that they are bad people, or necessarily that they are sinners. All I did was, as some might say, "speak the truth in love."

My question to you all is, what does it mean to be judgmental? Where do we draw the line between an individual honestly and lovingly telling an individual they are mistaken, and a person being strictly judgmental of their family, peers, or others? I would like to discuss your thoughts.

Thanks!

Note: Please keep in mind I do not intend to have a theological or biblical discussion on drug use. I only desire to discuss the question raised.

Well speaking from experience you are judgmental when you are IMPOSING your will onto others. I do this against smokers all the time.

Imposing your will requires force (physical or otherwise). Even most forms of manipulation are not force.

--
"When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things." The practice of "hate the sin, love the man" gets lost way too often; look at the Osama situation. Judging a sin as a sin is not being judgmental in the way the bible often warns about, nor is pointing out where in scripture we're forbidden from such things. The thin line between judgement and teaching the truth in love has to do with how and where you approach the person. Where: "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back." How: "Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church."

People generally play the judgmental card when they don't like what you have to say, but that should often be taken with a grain of salt. Odds are if they're sinning in a way that needs to be pointed out by a fellow Christian, they have a blind spot regarding that subject and are not often objective. The followup in Matthew is relevant here: "But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses." If the person is adamant that you're simply looking to pass judgment and won't listen, find a mutual friend or Christian. Scorn and shame have no place in correcting each other. When you act in love and concern and in the appropriate way you are not being judgmental, you're doing as the bible says.

Couldn't help but think of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hBhRv-640s

So I am not being judgmental when I look down upon smokers?

Depending on the definition of "look down upon", you probably are. However, neither of us said it's acceptable to do that.

"Look down upon" as in "Scum of the Earth" kind of thing. Don't want to associate with these people. That kind of thing.

Remember though, I for example, used to be a "Smoker" even a "Drug-Addict" but now thats all gone, and I'm in Christ. Love the people, despise the sin. Feel for them.

This post was edited by Torm1 on May 14 2011 09:58am

how can smoking make them scum of the earth..

people who use drugs rnt hell bound. thats like saying if u masterbate ur going to hell

There are plenty of Scriptures that indicate that masturbation is a sin. Given, it is not the unforgivable sin (blaspheming the Holy Ghost), but it is a sin nonetheless. We know that "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump," so even indulging in things that seem to be minor are actually a bigger deal than one might think.

I wrestled with this question for years. Considering the post you just made flaming this forum, I doubt you have any reason to back up what you have said.