Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, regarding the issue of same-sex relationships, recently said that he would not judge those involved in homosexuality. I agree if by that he means he would not render punishment. Physical harm, malice, prejudice regarding the basic necessities of life, and exclusion from attendance in church would not be a just response by Christians toward these folks.
I have felt impressed of the Lord that judgement should be understood in two ways: God's righteous judgement toward man and man's unrighteous judgement toward his fellow man. Righteous judgement coming from the One who KNOWS the hearts of men; unrighteous judgement coming from those who "know in part" (1 Corinthians 13:12) and therefore render inefficient and harmful sentences, spiritually speaking. Unrighteous judgement often is a cloak for self-willed self service and bitter envy, not motivated by the One who knows love completely.
Yet, Paul said (1 Corinthians 11:31), "if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged". Do you see the difference between critical assessment of a situation and punishment? "If we would critically assess ourselves, we would not be punished". "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED. But he who is spiritual judges (assesses) all things, yet he himself is rightly judged(punished) by no one". We in Christ are called to judge (spiritually discern) all things. It is through Spiritual discernment that our steps are rightly ordered: we suppress not the truth and clearly see and understand His invisible attributes, even His eternal power and Godhead (Romans 1:20). If we punish not, assuming our righteous place in Him, those who believe not will have the chance to repent. Those who are outside will be without excuse for they will see the King of Righteousness among His people.
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