Judgment Versus Brotherly Correction in the Holy Bible

Dear brothers and sisters, 

On this spiritually transformative journey of faith, we often face the delicate balance between judgment and brotherly correction. Understanding this difference is so important for nurturing a loving and supportive community amongst ourselves. In this blog, we will explore the biblical teachings on judgment versus brotherly correction, offering insights and key verses from the New King James Version (NKJV) to guide our interactions with one another. For those seeking clarity and guidance, may these words bring you comfort and edification in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

For a quick summary, feel free to scroll to the bottom. 

The Biblical Concept of Judgment

Judgment, in the biblical context, often carries a negative connotation. It implies condemning others, which can lead to division and discord within the Christian community. Jesus' teachings strongly caution against this behavior.

Key Verses:

• Matthew 7:1-2: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
• James 4:11-12: “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?”

Brotherly Correction: A Loving Act

Contrary to judgment, brotherly correction is rooted in love and seeks the well-being of others. It involves gently guiding someone back to the right path when they have strayed putting love in the forefront of all that you do focusing on restoration and a humble heart.

Key Verses:

• Galatians 6:1: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”
• Matthew 18:15: “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
• James 5:19-20: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

Balancing Judgment and Correction

Balancing judgment and correction requires wisdom and discernment. Both of which The Heavenly Father will gladly give you if you ask Him in prayer. We are called to examine our own lives and motives before addressing others' shortcomings. The goal should always be to uplift and support rather than to condemn in a manner that builds up the body of Christ. 

Key Verses:

• Matthew 7:3-5: “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14: “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”

Summary

Jesus lovingly guides us in Matthew 7:1-5. He teaches us to be careful in judging others, but He doesn't stop there. He also instructs us on how to help one another. First, we must gently remove the log from our own eye. Once we do this, we will be able to see clearly to help our brother with the speck in his eye. Jesus is not saying that we should avoid helping our brother; rather, He wants us to approach all with humility and self-awareness.

Brotherly correction means acknowledging that we too have faced similar struggles, even if not at this exact moment. When we approach our brother with this understanding, it becomes an act of love and support rather than a judgment of character. Our goal should be to help, not to criticize, always remembering that we share in the same human frailties. By doing this, we can truly embody the spirit of Christ's teachings, fostering a loving and supportive community.

Reflection

Brothers and sisters, take a moment to gently reflect on how you approach the faults of others. Do you find yourself judging quickly, or do you offer correction with a heart full of love and gentleness? Let us seek God's wisdom in our interactions, always striving to embody the spirit of brotherly correction as taught in our holy bibles. May our words and actions be guided by kindness and compassion, lifting one another up in Christ's love. Amen.