People often make quick comments like, “They don’t go to church enough,” “They dress like the world,” or “They can’t be Christian because they did, These statements raise an important question: Is it right to judge someone’s faith based on what we see?
While a person’s actions can show their values, they don’t always reveal the full story. Discernment recognizing what is right or wrong is a good thing. It helps us make wise choices and encourages others to grow. But discernment looks at behavior, not the heart. It says, “This action may not reflect God,” without claiming to know someone’s entire spiritual condition.
Harmful judgment happens when we assume we know a person’s motives, struggles, or relationship with God. We only see the outside, but God sees everything within. Someone may be dealing with challenges, pain, or personal battles we know nothing about. One mistake or moment does not define their whole faith journey.
There are times when we must address behavior, especially when offering guidance or protecting others. But even then, the goal should be love not condemnation. The difference between discernment and judgment is the attitude behind it.
In conclusion, judging someone’s faith by their actions alone is often unfair. We can notice behaviors, but only God truly knows the heart. It is better to lead with grace, offer gentle guidance, and remember that everyone is still growing.
