Matthew 7:1 (NKJV)
Judge not, that you be not judged.

I don’t know about you but I find that for myself I have to be on guard from judging, especially my family members, friends, and members of the body of Christ. Whoa, in essence it’s mostly everyone! 😧 I think the difference between discerning and judging can be very gray. When I’m unsure then the first thing I have learned to do is go to God in prayer. I don’t first stop to talk and consult with others because then it can turn into gossip which leads to judging. I’m not perfect but this is a good rule that I’ve been actively following because I believe it’s very important. 

As I follow Christ and mature in Him, I find that His ways and thoughts are not like my limited ways and thinking. If I first stop to talk to others about my thoughts then I magnify my own limited beliefs and even judge those that are beloved servants of the Lord. I definitely do not want to do this. I don’t want to open the door for the enemy to enter my life disguised as a religious spirit. Then I can be used by the enemy against the work of God! That’s serious sin that can have serious consequences. Many super-religious people actively worked against Jesus during his ministry on earth. 

When the Spirit of the Lord began to work in me to write down my thoughts and experiences for His people, I greatly opposed this assignment. I gave every reasonable and even biblical verses that imply that this assignment was a bad idea. I wrestled with God and like Jonah turned away from my assignment, perhaps more subtly. For a period of time I refused to write down the words that were coming down to me. Interestingly what was happening spiritually manifested physically. I experienced the worst case of constipation in my life! It felt horrible. Instead of seeking man-made remedies first, I asked about this uncomfortable situation in prayer. God spoke gently but clearly to me that I must release the words that are given to me by the Holy Spirit for His people. From that day forward, I obeyed not out of dreadful fear, but because in my heart I truly want to obey and please God.

I wish I can tell you that if you obey God then things are easy, and that everyone from the body of Christ will understand and support you. The reality is some will and some won’t. The truth is you must follow the leading of Jesus no matter what, or else you will miss your calling and highest purpose on earth. You must learn to seek after God’s approval foremost rather than people’s approval. 

From my experience of others judging me, I have learned even more to not judge others. Instead I have learned to pray even more. Also when in doubt between discerning and judging, you guessed it…pray even more! Pray before you speak your opinion. If I truly do this right then I find that I judge less. Bonus points- I sometimes get wisdom and revelation from God regarding my questions and the gray areas during prayer. Even when I don’t get my answers, I always leave with great peace. 

My 8-year old son recently heard the word, ‘tampon’. He begged me to tell him what it was. I knew he will keep at it until someone tells him. Disregarding my advice that he should drop it until later, I told him what it was used for. He cringed and with eyes super wide, he asked me to stop talking and even scolded me for telling him! Funny and yet it reminds me that there are many things God may not tell me now because I’m just not ready to hear it. Therefore I’m okay to drop it. I think it’s the same when it comes to having opinions about other people and ministries. God may not share with you everything. When in doubt, keep quiet and pray. From my observation, the truth always get revealed. Even darkness can not seem to hide from the light forever. 

I pray that I didn’t confuse you. If I did so sorry! 😁 Sometimes re-reading Romans 14 helps me figure out whether or not I’m being discerning or judgmental. Until you know for sure from the Lord Jesus Himself, I think it’s better to keep your opinions quiet and pray. I’ll be praying for you. Please pray for me too. Thank you! God bless you! -From the heart with love. 
Jesus said in Matthew 11:6 (NKJV)
“And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Sometimes Jesus’ methods and ways may offend us. But then we may miss God’s blessings.