There is a disturbing trend emanating from many who are unrepentant sinners. Namely, in order to find comfort in their sin they will attack Christians who try and help by accusing them of being judgmental.

Their stream of consciousness then degenerates from calling their charitable friend judgmental to calling him a hypocrite, as Christians are not to judge other people. "Judge not, that you be not judged." (Matthew 7:1 NKJV)

This self-defense mechanism that sinners employ seems somewhat logical on its face, but, of course, it’s not.

First, sinners, especially those who seek help, know they are doing wrong. Notwithstanding, many will try and avoid the consequences of their sin. So they will use whatever tactic they can think of to try and redirect the issue at hand. To that end, they try and make a fool of those trying to help, which gives them comfort and the upper hand in the conversation, i.e., whatever they’ve done can’t possibly be as bad as your hypocrisy. They try and excuse their bad behavior by citing the bad behavior of others - in this case, you. But their comparison is fatally flawed.

Yes, only God can judge people, yet the Bible tells us that we are to judge all things. "But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one." (1 Corinthians 2:15) This seeming nuance between people and things is anything but - it’s the difference between night and day.

Take the example of adultery. We are not to judge those committing adultery, although we are not to keep company with them (1 Corinthians 5:9). But we are to judge the sin. And then, in an effort to save our brother or sister in Christ from the second death, we are to tell them the truth about their sin - and the consequences it brings to those who will not repent. "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Here’s what I tell those who seek my lay minister help when they play the judgmental card. "I do not have the authority to sit in judgment on anyone - but I agree with God and what He says about your sin, and for that I will apologize to no one."

How sad that so many people who try and help others are cowered by the arrogance of sin that shows its ugly face by attacking those who love sinners enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word. For those who will not turn their backs on their fellow man, take solace in knowing you have done the right thing.

My mother, a dear Christian woman who lived the life God asked of her, used to say to me when I would ask to do something she knew was not in my best interests, "I could say yes and make both our lives easier, but I love you too much to say anything but no." True Christian love often means refusing to take the path of least resistance.

If there were more Good Samaritans who were not afraid to be seen as judgmental, the world would be better off.

Of course, there are those who claim the Savior’s name, but when all is said and done are actually judgmental - but those poor souls are faux-Christians who don’t know the heart of God or His Word. That said, those who truly believe cannot allow the failings of others to cause us to shy away from our role as God’s earthly representatives.

When you help others, know this. Evil will use every trick in the book to try and cause you to falter, for if it is successful it ensures your personal ministry never helps those who must turn from their sin or destroy their own soul. You must also realize that when you know you’re doing as God asks, the fact that unrepentant sinners call you judgmental or a hypocrite is a badge of honor and a testament to your unwavering faith.