To judge is to make a pronouncement of what is right or wrong. The common view today is that we may not judge, but rather are to show tolerance. We must accept homosexuality as a viable lifestyle, abortion as a personal choice and drunkenness as a fun past time. The world openly embraces all manner of sin and shows no shame. Anything goes, except God’s truth and calling sin for what it is. Many churches also promote tolerance, going so far as to allow homosexuals in the ministry. Sin is no longer called sin. They teach we must love each other and look for the good in people, not the bad. Scripture teaches that we must judge. “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). In Philippians 1:9 we read “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.”

1. Many churches promote tolerance of sin as the way to show love towards each other. Does tolerance express brotherly love? Explain why or why not. (I Cor. 13:6).
2. How does proper judgment show Christian love?
3. “Judge not that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). This passage is often used to justify tolerance. If one reads the following verses, one sees that it is not judging altogether that is forbidden but the manner in which we judge. What do the following passages teach about how not to judge?Matthew 7: 1-5, Romans 2:1-3, Romans 14:1-3, James 4: 11-12and John 7: 24
4. What matters are we to judge? ( 5:14)
5. How ought we determine what is right and wrong?
6. How ought we to judge ourselves? ( 3: 40)
7. How ought we to judge other Christians? (Mt 18: 15-17, I Cor. 5)
8. How do we judge the world? (Eph 5:11-13, I Cor. 5:12-13, I  6:2)
9. What is the positive fruit of proper judging?
10. May we keep silent about what we have judged to be wrong?
11. I Cor. 10:15& I John 4:1speak of judging the preaching. How are we to do this properly and why must we?
12. How does tolerance towards sinful deeds of others affect one’s own spiritual life & Christian walk?
13. Do you recognize the need for others, such as parents, to judge your actions? How do you respond when they do?