Daily Encouragement: No Favorites

This is for all you judges out there--or all who have been given the position of "judge" over anyone. (I believe this also pertains to the way our government is run in general, but this is my opinion.)

"Always judge your neighbors fairly, neither favoring the poor nor showing deference to the rich." (Leviticus 19:15)

This pertains to anyone who is asked to judge between two people or groups. Just because a person is wealthy, we should not choose their side over another--either because we relate better to them or because we feel that they are wealthy because they always do what is right. On the other hand, we should not choose the side of a poor person simply because they are poor or because we feel sorry for them or are poor ourselves.

Check out what 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 says about lawsuits and judging:

"When you have something against another Christian, why do you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter, instead of taking it to other Christians to decide who is right? Don't you know that someday we Christians are going to judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can't you decide these little things among yourselves? Don't you realize that we Christians will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disagreements here on earth. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why do you go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But instead, one Christian sues another--right in front of unbelievers.

To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? But instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your own Christian brothers and sisters."

What would it be like if we Christians sought out someone within the church to be judge between ourselves instead of going to lawyers and filing suits? Which one of you would be up to the task of acting as judge?

Some of you have heard, "Judge not lest ye be judged," and that is true--but read the rest...."For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged." (Matthew 7:1-2) This is not saying that we should not judge at all (especially when it pertains to settling disputes between two or more Christians), but that we must be extremely careful to deal justly, not showing favoritism toward anyone. Sometimes we can't get out of being a mediator or judge between friends and neighbors, co-workers, employees, or children for that matter--in fact, if we always try to get out of being "judge" then our brothers and sisters will be forced to seek justice outside the church and in front of unbelievers who will see how "well" we Christians can show the love of Christ to one another. So when you are judging, I encourage you to be fair and objective, not showing favor, but seeking the Lord for wisdom to be just.

by Wendie Beddingfield

picture by Stephen Stacey