Is It Right to Tell People They're Wrong?

Do we have the right to tell people that we think they are wrong about something? If we disagree or disapprove of their actions or beliefs, should be tell them they should change?

Here's what the Bible says in Matthew 7:1-6

• "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."

Let's look into some background and context of these verses. This passage comes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It is taught over two chapters in the book of Matthew, and throughout the sermon Jesus is calling people out to live out principles that He has set forth for them. In the sermon, Jesus discusses two types of people, pagans (or worldly people) and the Pharisees (or strict religious leaders). He tells us not to model our lives after these types of people.

• "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:46-48
• "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full." Matthew 6:1-2

So how does the world make decisions? For the most part, they don't. The world has a live and let live attitude. Just relax. Be tolerant. But when they do get around to making decisions, they make them based on appearances. We should judge by appearances. Things aren't always what they seem. We don't know people's motives. We can't see in people hearts and we don't know their secrets. Only God knows these things. These things aren't our jobs to judge, they are God's job.

• "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b
• "This will take place on judgment day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." Romans 2:16
• "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord." Proverbs 16:2
• "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." 1 Corinthian 4:5

How do the religious hypocrites judge? They hold someone to a higher standard than they for themselves. They can't live up to their own standards, but expect others to. Over and over in the 23rd chapter of Matthew, Jesus calls them hypocrites. He tells them that they are blind fools and that they will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Let's look again at Matthew 7:1-2.

• "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge other, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

What is Jesus telling us here? He is telling us that we shouldn't make decisions like the hypocrites or the pagans. But, is He telling us that we shouldn't form opinions about right and wrong? Is He saying that we shouldn't assess if something is good or evil? No, in fact the Bible tells us many times that we should gain wisdom.

• "Teach me knowledge and good judgement, for I believe in your commands." Psalm 119:66
• "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." Philippians 1:9
• "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be give to him." James 1:5

We should be able to discern truth from lies. It is our duty to make decisions and we should use the brain and wisdom that God has given us to make wise choices.

• "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

In the end, there are some situations that it is necessary and wise to make a judgment. To judge others there are a few things we need to do first. If you are about to judge others, ask yourself about your own faults. Look in the mirror. Is there a plank in your eye? Deal with it!

Next, just THINK. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is it True? Are you sure of the facts?
• Is it Helpful? Are you doing it with pure or selfish motives?
• Is it Inspiring? Are you "playing God" or is it what is in the other person's best interest?
  
• Is it Necessary? If you have doubts about it's necessity, then it's probably best not to judge.
• Is it Kind? If you can't approach them with a loving spirit, then don't approach them.

When we do confront people, first, pray about it. Second, show mercy, because you have been shown mercy.

• "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:36-37

In all things, we should remember this verse and ask ourselves how we would want to be treated.

• "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

(Sermon preached by Jarrett Stephens on 5.15.10 at Prestonwood Baptist Church)