“…even I do not judge myself, because I do not feel guilty for anything. But with that, I am not justified – the Lord is the One who will judge me. Therefore, do not judge anything prematurely, until the Lord comes…” (First Epistle to the Corinthians, ch. 4, vs. 3B-5A, the darker font is ours)
The verb anakrinó, which we translate as “judge,” used by Apostle Paul in the above verse literally means “to investigate, interrogate, evaluate through careful consideration of evidence.” The prefix at the beginning adds a sense of completing the process, for thorough analysis. What does the apostle want to tell us with this?
A bit earlier in the passage, he further explains that he does not accept the judgment or verdict of others about himself either. Our human judgment is evidently not a factor when it comes to whether we are righteous before God or not. We cannot entirely rely on our own mind – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding.” (Proverbs, ch. 3, vs. 5, the darker font is ours)
If that is the case, then we cannot fully trust our human judgment, whether it is positive or negative, both for others and for ourselves.
Does this mean that we have the freedom to underestimate our mistakes or overestimate our good results? No, of course not. In fact, any attempt to judge an action or motive, whether ours or someone else’s, would either be an underestimation or an exaggeration because we are people with our biases and prejudices.
Apostle John also understands that our hearts (mind, will, emotions, moral understanding) are not something we can rely on when it comes to self-assessment. “Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and truth! And by this we know that we belong to the truth, and will reassure our hearts before Him. And if our hearts condemn us, then God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, then we have confidence before God, and we receive from Him what we ask for because we keep His commandments and do what He approves.” (First Letter of John, ch. 3, vs. 18-22, the darker font is ours) The only thing the judgment of our heart serves is to give or take away the courage when we stand before God in prayer. Our heart judges based on what it experiences, sees, and does. Its assessment relies on our actions, and if we love indeed, that is, do what God approves, we will be bold to stand before Him with the faith that He hears us. That is all. Whether we are righteous or not, however, is decided by Another.
Dear friend, do not always trust all the feelings of your heart. It is possible to condemn yourself for things for which God does not hold you guilty, or to justify yourself where God thinks you are wrong. We are not the Judge, God is. But He is the good Judge!
*Bible quotes are according to the text of the Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013.
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