But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ – Ephesians 4:15
Wearing a guest tag, Natalie took a second tour of the gym before deciding whether to join. She retraced her steps, greeted with friendly smiles from both personnel and patrons. Assured she had finally found a supportive, inclusive environment, Natalie walked back to the front desk—only to find a disgruntled woman complaining about rude remarks she’d overheard regarding another person’s weight. “I thought this was supposed to be a ‘Judgment-Free Zone’!” the woman fumed. “It is our goal to make it that way,” the staff member replied empathetically, pointing to the wall hanging. “And we hope everyone will do their part to achieve it.”
There’s a difference between judgmental condemnation and speaking the truth thoughtfully and purposefully. This is what came to mind as I pondered a Christian’s responsibility not to compromise or sugarcoat God’s Word. It reminded me of Jesus’ encounter with the adulterous woman and how it resulted. Although the woman was spared death by stoning, Jesus did not ignore her wrongful behavior, as proven when her accusers were gone and He said in a non-judgmental tone: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11).
Judgmental condemnation seeks to ridicule and belittle another, oftentimes in a self-righteous manner. However, when we apply Ephesians 4:15 by speaking the truth for another’s betterment, we can do so thoughtfully and purposefully. As followers of Jesus Christ, we too can strive to be a judgment-free zone.