So, my question is are we truly judging a person when we defend our faith? Or are we breaking the law of GOD in saying NO to false teaching proclaimed with confidence by a preacher? Or are we not supposed to defend our faith?
The first thing to note: defending our true faith is essential in leading a victorious Christian life and we must confront and correct those who preach the adulterated gospel. Having the name Jesus Christ never makes a sermon true. The contextual explanation about the deity of Christ must also be taken into account in considering it as a true teaching or false teaching.
As we read Matthew 7, what Jesus is explaining is about discernment. He says, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” (Matthew 7:6). A little later in the same sermon, He says, “Watch out for false prophets. . . . By their fruit you will recognize them” (verses 15–16). How are we to discern who are the “dogs” and “pigs” and “false prophets” unless we can make a ‘judgment call’ on doctrines and deeds? Jesus is permitting us to defend right from wrong. When Jesus said not to judge others, it doesn’t mean NOT to address sin/wrong; or have to accept everything proclaimed by someone else.
By defending the faith, we are not judging someone in person, instead, we are defending their teachings that are contradicting to the word of GOD. Jesus, in another instance, says, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24. Christian is called to show unconditional love, but the Christian is not called to unconditional approval. “Judge not” is not a call for universal acceptance of any lifestyle or teaching, but it’s a call to discern the right from the wrong.
Remember to defend your faith and do not make an unjust judgment on people.
#LiesBelievedInTheChurch #belikethebereans #Lie17
Maranatha!
