Before You Judge And Criticize Ask Yourself These Questions

By Bruce Lengeman

July 1, 2008

James 2:13 "For He shall have judgment without mercy, who has showed no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment."

Below are some questions to ask before you point the finger critically at someone else. When you're tempted to criticize go through this list and see which questions apply. Let's honor God by not unfairly judging others!

Am I sure all the information I have about this situation is true?

Am I sure I have ENOUGH information to come to a conclusion?

Do I know the WHOLE CONTEXT of the information?
Have I talked directly to this person about my feelings, instead of telling my feelings to others first?

Am I being like Job's friends in any way: merciless, accusative and insensitive?

Have I questioned the involved party personally to find out his/her point of view?

Proverbs 18:13 "He who answers before listening-that is his folly and shame."

Have I followed the commandment of Galatians 6:1, to restore any brother overtaken in a fault?

Am I sure the thing I'm concerned about in my brother's life is something God wants to change in that person NOW? Perhaps it is on God's timetable 10 years from now.
Is this a situation or flaw to which I should apply I Peter 4:8?

I Peter 4:8: "Love covers over a multitude of sins."

Is my motive for criticizing selfish? Am I defending myself?

Am I ever guilty of doing or saying something as bad as what I'm upset about in another person? (Am I worthy to point the finger?)

Am I prepared for others criticizing me in the way I am criticizing this situation?

With all the real evil in the world: abortion, murder, rape, broken families, terrorism, prostitution, anti-Christ religion, and on and on, am I being too technical-perhaps much more concerned than God is?

Am I willing for them to find out everything that I've said about them?

Are they my servant? (Romans 14:4) Do I have God-given authority to criticize this person?

Have I prayed about it as fervently as the ones I feel are wrong have prayed about it?

Do I need to repent? Do I need to go and talk with my brother?

Keywords: amish, amish voice, bruce lengeman, christian living, map ministry, mission to amish people