You Judge, I Judge, We All Judge....

Judging.
This word is thrown around everywhere from the pulpit to the Pecan street alley....but what does it mean, really?
Well, I know it's a book in the bible. And if I'm not mistaken, it's aptly named because it chronicles the times of actual judges, who resided in biblical times. But these judges were more like freedom fighters, than actual Judge-Judy-types, sitting on worn, wooden benches. My study Bible says they were more concerned with fighting for their freedom than presiding over legal matters.
I also know that Webster's describes judging as several different things: "to form a judgment or opinion of; decide upon critically," or "to make a careful guess about; estimate," or even "to make a mental judgment."
The cry of this age is "don't judge," "don't judge me," or "don't judge others."
What are we really saying, when that is our reply?
I've thought about this several times over the past few years. We are so quick to spit out "don't judge." But are we missing where that sentiment really came from and what it really intimated?
Let's take a look.......Romans 14:1-22 is the passage most often referred to, whether people know they're referring to it or not, and it says in verse 13, "let us stop passing judgment on one another."
But I think it would be wise to read the verses previous to that, as well as after....Paul is admonishing Christians not to be a stumbling block to those "whose faith is weak," or new Christians. As best as I can tell, and I'm no theologian, there were some arguments taking place as to what day was considered sacred, as well as people condemning others for their food choices.
Apparently Christians were arguing about food long, long before any church pot-lucks.
This chapter emphasizes not to be swayed into petty arguments that mean nothing! If someone wants to eat only veggies, let them! If they go to church on Tuesday and not Sunday, let them! This chapter is referring to food and days of the week.
Nowhere in that chapter did I read that I was not to listen or look at someone's actions, words or life-fruit, and make a decision as to whether or not I will keep company with that person. Nor did I read in Romans that I should allow friends or family to continue in sin, because it's "not my place to judge."
Now, before any of you start crawling up on your high horse....let me kick the crate out from under you. I am not speaking of anyone in particular. None of my family or friends have said this to me. It's something I've thought about often, though.
If I see or hear something that is contrary to the Word of God, do I accept it, so as "not to judge?"
Yes and no. I've talked with a good friend of mine about this subject a few times in recent weeks. We both agree that there has to be a balance of love AND awareness.
We need to love those that aren't part of the Family. And ultimately, allow the Lord to transform them.
But making a "critical decision" about a certain aspect of my life, or someone else's....is just that. It's MY decision. If I feel you're falling off the wagon because you drunk-dial me half a dozen times, I'm gonna decide that you probably aren't the person I'm going to hang out with next weekend. Am I judging???!! Oh no....I judged that individual (please realize, I made this scenario up)!!
Yes, I DID judge. I formed an opinion of and made a careful estimate about how much time I will spend with my often-intoxicated friend.
I think it's okay to do that.
In fact, I think we SHOULD do that.
It's all about....balance. Love them. But they need to know the truth as well.
I tend to think that those yelling "don't judge" the loudest are trying to drown out their own common sense.
Form opinions. Love people.
And yes, I believe it's possible to do both.