Why the Kingdom of God is Not a No-Judgment Zone
The no-judgment zone has gone too far.
Differences of opinion can be handled by those who are mature, but there are many who demand tolerance from others while refusing to extend the same toward those who see things from another perspective. Consequently, there are countless numbers of people who get offended at the thought of any form of absolute truth. If it doesn’t support their own thoughts, actions and beliefs, it is deemed judgmental and intolerant. They see it as condemnation.
That mindset has also crept into the way people view God and His Word. They want the blessings of God, but not His boundaries. They want His provision, but not His process. They want His intervention in crisis, but not His intrusion into root issues of a selfishness and pride.
The kingdom of God is not a no-judgment zone. Make no mistake, God is a Judge. But His judgments are entirely righteous. Only in God is justice truly found. The Father did not send Jesus to condemn the world – the world was already condemned by its own sin. Jesus came to set us free from our self-imposed condemnation.
The Apostle John wrote:
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:17-18 ESV)
To be free from condemnation:
- Acknowledge the sinful motivations of your own heart. The Holy Spirit will reveal these things to you when you invite Him to reveal your heart to you.
- Declare that Jesus is not only the Righteous Judge, but also the One who sacrificed His life to set you free from your sin.
- Receive God’s forgiveness and ask Him to set you free from any bondage to the evil one.
- Earnestly seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that your character will be marked by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), and your life will be evidenced by the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12).
Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and will set you free.
Condemnation comes from the enemy and keeps you in bondage.
Don’t mistake judgment for condemnation. God does not want you to be condemned, but He will confront your heart so that you can be set free.
Photo: theodysseyonline.com
Pastor Dale Jenkins 
I appreciate this good word today my friend. So many people are in bondage because they “mistake judgment for condemnation.” Since there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1) we should be on mission to give the Good News of reconciliation and freedom. Have a blessed day!
Thank you my friend. Love you.
“They want His provision, but not His process.” That’ll preach…and I’m stealing that entire paragraph. So good, Pastor!
Thank you, Matthew. Love you.
So appropriate for the politically charged climate we are experiencing in America today.
Good stuff!
Thank you Pastor Dale for sharing.
This is Elaine..I visit women in jail and it’s tough to not tell woman the truth without them thinking that they are being judged and put down..but the woman always thank me for visiting and sharing the gospel..sometimes I’m too strong with the message and they complain..but the truth is the truth…I like to read 1 John to them..
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Good stuff, Pastor Dale. Thank you for your leadership in my life.