There is a significant difference between judgment and discernment. God sees people’s hearts, and knows their motives. Only God can accurately judge those who deserve punishment. Ultimately, Christ will sit in judgment upon us all in the day of judgment. Our problem is that we like to sit in the judgment seat and pronounce condemnation upon those whom we think have sinned! God commands us not to judge others, but He does want us to be discerning. Jesus said we would know people’s spiritual condition by the fruit of their lives. He said grapes are not produced on thorn bushes. If a person’s life produces thorns, we can assume that person is not a grapevine! Are we being judgmental? No, we are being discerning. You will be helpful to others only if you see them as God does. If you have been judgmental of others, ask forgiveness and pledge yourself to let God use you as His minister of reconciliation.
