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In our scripture reading we are asked. 

Who are you to judge the servant of another? Before his own master, he stands [approved] or falls [out of favor]. And he [who serves the Master—the Lord] will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

to judge 
κρίνων (krinōn)
 Verb – Present Participle Active – Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong’s Greek 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

rinó: to judge, decide

Original Word: κρίνω
 Part of Speech: Verb
 Transliteration: krinó
 Phonetic Spelling: (kree’-no)
 Definition: to judge, decide

 Usage: (a) I judge, whether in a law-court or privately: sometimes with cognate nouns emphasizing the notion of the verb, (b) I decide, I think (it) good.

The Law of Liberty – means there is no place to condemn a brother or sister on the bases of who they are in Christ, or their personality or their unique individuality, or what they eat or how or when they worship. 

The Laws of Christ – Love, Grace, Mercy- forbid all such condemnation,

and just as in every law, there are consequences forbreaking that law,

When we break the spiritual law of liberty… consequences are instantly released.

Condemnation instantly brings us under condemnation… the enemy shows up at our door to accuse and condemn us before the Lord.

Look at what Jesus Said…this type of condemnation is like being sued at law… it is the same word…

Englishman’s Concordance

Matthew 5:40 V-ANP

GRK: θέλοντί σοι κριθῆναι καὶ τὸν

NAS: If anyone wants to sue you and take

KJV: sue thee at the law, and take away

INT: would from you sue you and the

Matthew 7:1 V-PMA-2P

GRK: Μὴ κρίνετε ἵνα μὴ

NAS: Do not judge so

KJV: Judge not, that

INT: not do judge that not

Matthew 7:1 V-ASP-2P

GRK: ἵνα μὴ κριθῆτε

NAS: so that you will not be judged.

KJV: ye be not judged.

INT: that not you be judged

Matthew 7:2 V-PIA-2P

GRK: γὰρ κρίματι κρίνετε κριθήσεσθε καὶ

NAS: For in the way you judge, you will be judged;

KJV: judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged:

INT: for judgment you judge you will be judged and

Quickly, we see the act of condemning another person within the church is that brings is into condemned, and the level of condemnation comes from our level of condemning the other person.

The sin behind the condemnation is not loving people for who they are, not loving them or valuing their unique gifts and strengths. 

It is usually born of fear… the fear of someone being different, or someone you can’t understand… so settled it now in you heart that is not my role, my job, or my calling to examine someone’s life and become, policemen, judge and jury in their life.

So… whose job is it… who examines the tree. or the fruit… or the sheep or lamb for health, for sickness, for ticks, dry rot or illness? 

As our scripture says, the Master, the owner of the garden, or vineyard or the owner of the sheep.

First, the Lord himself. 

When he sees an issue, he will then bring conviction through love and holiness on the person if a sin or issue needs delt with.

Secondly, The Fivefold Ministry under the direction of the Holy Ghost, 

If the person is not responding to the Spirit’s conviction, the Shepard, or some one in the five-fold ministry holding a ministerial licences- meaning they have the training and have been taught will be used by the Spirit to address an issue in a sermon or a prophetic word, or through the knowledge of teaching.

Thirdly – The Pastor Directly, if a pastor sees an issue – he or she has the right, the authority and the responsibility to correct doctrine or behaviour, and to encourage, with extreme patience, and proper Biblical teaching and using proper Hermeneutics skills.

The Apostle Paul in writing to a young preacher said it this way…

King James Bible
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine

Amplified Bible
preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.

The Apostle Peter also mentioned it this way,

2 Peter 3

Final Exhortations

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Fourthly, those who are truly spiritual. 

I say this with extreme caution because most who think they are spiritual enough to correct another – usually aren’t! And what they see as correction is nothing more than giving their opinion of a person’s life or conduct with little real love or care for the individual…

It is really important that if feel to gently correct someone – check you motivation… and this should be something that is rare or under the anointing of the Holy Ghost.

The Apostle Paul writes it this way:

Galatians 6:1

Amplified Bible

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.

And be really cautious of the speck and beam syndrome.

Amplified Bible
How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite (play actor, pretender), first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Getting things in popper order is so important – it is the Lord that will help a person to stand – he and he alone is the author and finisher of their faith.

When we can see issues in our brothers and sisters, what is our duty? When we see our brother or sister sin, or have an attitude or situation that needs correcting?

First keep silent- you don’t know if what you saw and heard is truth or a misunderstanding,

Second – take it to prayer, thirdly-

Thirdly- wait on the Lord to do the work… 

Fourthly- check your standing in the cue- is this really your Monkey?

Lastly- if and only if this is truly your monkey… and if the Lord leads… speak in love, but with extreme caution only after you have prayed to the place of peace.

What about an offence… then follow the Bible admonition of the Lord…

A Brother who Sins

(Deuteronomy 19:15-21)

15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

(Romans 12:14-21)

21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

The spiritual laws of Christ, mercy, grace, liberty, love, all work towards not being Cookie cutter Christians where everyone is the same but rather the individual is celebrated for his or her uniqueness within the body. and the result is spiritual growth for all as well all learn from other another- and unity and brotherly love is the result!

The abuse of conformity, of expectation, of devaluing a person, the condemnation of a Brother or Sister is destroyed when we decide to value a person for who they are, and their position within the body of Christ and their contribution.

1 Corinthians 12 ►

Amplified Bible  Par ▾ 

The Use of Spiritual Gifts

1Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. 3Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit.

4Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 5And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 6And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good. 8To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; 9to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; 10and to another the working of [a]miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. 11All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.

12For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so [b]it is with Christ. 13For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed–united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].

14 For the [human] body does not consist of one part, but of many [limbs and organs]. 

15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body?

16 If the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole [body] were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 

18 But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function]. 

19 If they all were a single organ, where would [the rest of] the body be? 

20 But now [as things really are] there are many parts [different limbs and organs], but a single body. 

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 

22 But quite the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are [absolutely] necessary; 

23 and as for those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, these we treat with greater honor; and our less presentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 

24 while our more presentable parts do not require it. But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it,

 25 so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. 

26 And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it.

27 Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. 28 So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love].

1 Corinthians 13 ►

The Excellence of Love

1If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not [a]love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing. 3 If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body [b]to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all.

4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].

8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete]. 10 But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. 13 And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.

Condemnation is a form of spiritual and emotional abuse – love is key to destroying it- value yourself and your giftings, value others uniqueness and giftings. and you will fulfill the second commandment…or as James calls it the Royal commandment.

James 2:8

If, however, you are [really] fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, if you have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit]” you are doing well. AMP

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