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Questions & Answers

Judging

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Judging

The question

God tells us to not judge lest we be judged. But where do we draw the line between telling the truth and judging others? If someone constantly kept making foolish decisions, is not it only the truth to say he is a foolish person? If someone is a terrorist, is not it fair to call him a terrorist?

The answer

It is important to speak the truth, but it is not enough if your version of the truth lacks grace. Grace is a gift from God to the believers. It is by grace that we are forgiven, and not by our own merits. Christians are called to exercise discernment. "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24). Christ forewarned us about false prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing. Thus, there is an element necessary of making judgment in order to exercise caution and wisdom, but not for condemnation. The manner and motive for expressing a truth must first be personally addressed. One must exercise control in speaking a truth to another, in as much as the other can tolerate. When one is compelled to reveal a certain truth, the objective should encompass the edification of the other or the prevention of harm onto another. Thus, prayer for wisdom can help one to deliver the truth on the wings of grace, and thereby the truth is of benefit for everyone involved.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1711 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.