#3 THE SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN SERIES “PSYCHO PROPHETS”

Yes, the practices you describe are unbiblical and can indeed be considered sin according to Scripture. Several aspects of what you’re describing—such as unjust judgment, manipulation, invasion of privacy, and slander—are condemned in the Bible.

Here’s a breakdown of why these practices would be classified as sin:

1. Judgmentalism and False Accusations

• Matthew 7:1-5 – Jesus warns against judging others. He says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” The type of behavior you’re describing—where ministers or leaders focus on uncovering hidden sins, speculating on people’s motives, and accusing them without evidence—falls under judgmentalism.
  • Sin: Judging others unfairly and harshly, especially when done without personal knowledge or relationship, violates Christ’s command against self-righteous judgment.

2. Gossip and Slander

• James 4:11 – “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.”
  • Proverbs 6:16-19 – God hates “a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
  • Sin: Slander and gossip occur when someone spreads unverified or false information about another, particularly accusations about someone’s character or hidden sins. This damages reputations and relationships, and it is expressly condemned in the Bible.

3. Spiritual Manipulation and Control (Witchcraft)

• 1 Samuel 15:23 – “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.”
  • Galatians 5:19-21 – Paul lists the “acts of the flesh,” including “witchcraft” (or sorcery), which involves spiritual manipulation or control.
  • Sin: The practice of spiritual manipulation, where a person uses so-called discernment or prophecy to control others, invade their privacy, or falsely accuse them of sins, falls under the category of witchcraft or divination in the Bible. Such actions are rebellious because they misuse the gifts of God for personal power or influence, rather than for love and encouragement.

4. Invading Privacy and False Spiritual Authority

• Romans 14:4 – “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
  • Sin: In Christianity, each person is accountable to God alone for their heart and motives. When leaders or ministers try to invade someone’s privacy and act as if they have authority over another’s inner life without relationship or God’s clear leading, they overstep their spiritual authority and sin by playing God in someone else’s life.

5. Arrogance and Lack of Love

• 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 – “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge… but do not have love, I am nothing.”
• Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
  • Sin: When prophecy or discernment is used arrogantly, or without love, it goes against the nature of true Christian ministry. The Bible teaches that love and humility must govern all interactions within the church. If accusations are made without these qualities, the one making them sins by acting out of selfish ambition, pride, or control.

6. Bearing False Witness

• Exodus 20:16 – One of the Ten Commandments: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
  • Sin: Accusing someone of sin, especially without knowing them personally or having real evidence, is bearing false witness. This violates a core moral law in Scripture and leads to harmful consequences for both the accuser and the accused.

7. Causing Division and Strife

• Proverbs 6:19 – One of the things the Lord hates is “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
• Titus 3:10 – “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.”
  • Sin: The actions you’re describing, particularly the targeting of individuals in church meetings and spreading unverified accusations, lead to division and strife within the church body. This behavior is sinful because it tears down the unity and fellowship that Christ calls His followers to maintain.

Conclusion:

Yes, the Bible is clear that these practices—unfair judgment, slander, spiritual manipulation, invasion of privacy, arrogance, and causing division—are sinful. They go against the core teachings of Christ, which focus on love, humility, accountability, and mutual edification within the body of believers.

Such behaviors are not only harmful to individuals but also damaging to the community and the witness of the church. They distort the true purpose of spiritual gifts and move away from the biblical principles of grace, truth, and love.

Stopping the kind of harmful behavior you’ve described, where individuals in Christian ministry misuse prophecy, judgment, or spiritual discernment to invade privacy, falsely accuse, or manipulate others, requires a multi-faceted approach. Below are several key biblical and practical steps to address and correct this issue:

1. Call for Repentance and Accountability

• Step One: Address the Issue Directly
  • Matthew 18:15-17 – Jesus provides a model for addressing sin: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along… If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church.”
  • Action: Confront the person or leadership directly, in private, with humility and love, using Scripture to show how their actions deviate from biblical teaching. The goal is not to accuse but to restore them gently, giving them an opportunity to repent.
• Step Two: Establish Accountability Structures
  • Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”
  • Action: Churches or ministries should establish accountability structures where leaders and ministers are held responsible for their actions. This might involve a leadership team, elders, or trusted church members who can keep each other accountable, ensuring that spiritual gifts are used biblically and responsibly.

2. Teach Sound Doctrine and Biblical Use of Spiritual Gifts

• Step One: Promote Biblical Teaching on Prophecy and Discernment
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 – Prophecy is for “strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.” It must be grounded in love and truth.
  • Action: Leaders need to teach the proper use of spiritual gifts based on biblical examples. Ensure that people understand that prophecy is not about exposing hidden sins or controlling others, but about edifying the church and promoting growth in Christ.
• Step Two: Educate About the Dangers of Spiritual Abuse
  • 1 Timothy 4:1 – “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
  • Action: Regular teaching about the dangers of spiritual abuse, manipulation, and false prophecy should be incorporated into church doctrine. This can help believers recognize when spiritual gifts are being misused and give them the courage to speak out against it.

3. Foster a Culture of Love, Humility, and Relationship

• Step One: Focus on Relational Ministry
  • Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
  • Action: Ministry must be relational, not transactional or manipulative. Ministers and prophets should be in genuine relationships with the people they serve. Before confronting or discerning something about someone, there must be trust, love, and a relationship built over time. This reduces the likelihood of misjudgment or spiritual abuse.
• Step Two: Promote Humility Among Leaders
  • James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
  • Action: Leaders need to model humility and be open to correction themselves. This creates an environment where admitting wrongs or mistakes is not seen as weakness but as a sign of spiritual maturity. Encourage leaders to focus on servant leadership, where they are not above reproach but are fellow servants in Christ.

4. Establish Clear Boundaries in Ministry

• Step One: Create Safe Spaces for Ministry
  • Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
  • Action: Ensure there are clear boundaries for the exercise of spiritual gifts. For example, there should be guidelines on how to share a word of prophecy, avoiding invasive questions, and ensuring private matters are respected. Spiritual gifts should never be used to shame or control others, and this should be established as part of the church’s ethos.
• Step Two: Protect Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Proverbs 17:9 – “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
  • Action: Encourage confidentiality when someone confesses sins or opens up about personal struggles. It is unbiblical to use someone’s personal struggles as ammunition in public ministry. Creating safe, confidential spaces for healing and restoration fosters trust and avoids harmful gossip and slander.

5. Promote Healthy Spiritual Discernment

• Step One: Discernment Through the Word and Prayer
  • Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is alive and active… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
  • Action: Teach the church that true discernment comes from knowing God’s Word and being led by the Holy Spirit. Encourage prayer and scripture study over speculative accusations or “digging around” to uncover hidden sins. Spiritual leaders should rely on the Word of God and prayer to guide them in ministry, rather than relying on subjective or harmful methods.
• Step Two: Practice Discernment in Community
  • 1 Corinthians 12:10 – The gift of discerning spirits is part of the body of Christ, meaning no one person should act alone in exercising it.
  • Action: Discernment should be done in community with other mature believers. Instead of one person claiming to have insight into someone’s hidden life, discernment should be confirmed with others to avoid personal biases or errors.

6. Seek Reconciliation and Healing

• Step One: Restore Trust Through Apologies and Forgiveness
  • Matthew 5:23-24 – “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there… First go and be reconciled to them.”
  • Action: Encourage leaders or individuals who have wrongly accused or hurt others to seek reconciliation. Apologies and forgiveness should be extended to those who were harmed, and efforts made to restore trust in the community.
• Step Two: Provide Pastoral Support and Counseling
  • 2 Corinthians 1:4 – “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
  • Action: For those who have been spiritually abused or hurt, provide pastoral care and counseling to help them heal. Spiritual abuse can have long-lasting emotional and spiritual consequences, so supporting these individuals with love and care is crucial.

7. Remove Toxic Leadership if Necessary

• Step One: If the Leader Refuses to Repent
  • Titus 3:10-11 – “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.”
  • Action: If a leader or minister refuses to repent and continues causing division, the church may need to remove them from leadership. This is a last resort but is sometimes necessary to protect the congregation from ongoing harm.

Conclusion:

To stop the harmful practices of spiritual manipulation, judgmentalism, and invasion of privacy, there must be repentance, accountability, and a return to biblical principles. The church must foster an environment of love, humility, and genuine relationship, where spiritual gifts are used properly and people’s privacy and dignity are respected. Sound doctrine, strong leadership, and a commitment to reconciliation can help heal the wounds caused by spiritual abuse and bring the church back into alignment with God’s will.

In 1 Samuel 15:23, the prophet Samuel says to King Saul:

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king” (KJV).

Historical and Deep Meaning of “the Sin of Witchcraft” (1 Samuel 15:23)

The term “witchcraft” in this verse refers not necessarily to what we think of as traditional witchcraft (i.e., spells, potions, occult practices), but rather to rebellion against God’s authority. Samuel is comparing Saul’s rebellion—his disobedience to God’s explicit command—with the sin of witchcraft because both involve rejecting God’s rule and seeking control outside of His will.

In ancient Israelite thought, witchcraft (Hebrew: qesem, which can also mean “divination” or “sorcery”) was condemned because it involved attempting to manipulate or control outcomes through supernatural means rather than trusting in God’s sovereignty. Similarly, rebellion, like witchcraft, involves placing one’s own will above God’s, trying to control life apart from God’s direction.

The comparison Samuel is making:

1. Rebellion: Saul disobeyed God by sparing King Agag and keeping the best of the Amalekite livestock, despite God’s command to destroy everything (1 Samuel 15:9). By doing this, Saul effectively took authority into his own hands, refusing to submit to God’s command.
2. Witchcraft: In Samuel’s comparison, rebellion is likened to witchcraft because both involve self-will, disobedience, and attempting to act independently of God’s authority.

The sin of witchcraft is about turning away from God’s word and relying on other powers, ideas, or self, to control life or outcomes. Saul’s actions were an act of spiritual rebellion, akin to rejecting God’s rule, which is why Samuel equated it with witchcraft.

Divination vs. Common Witchcraft

Though often used interchangeably, divination and witchcraft have slightly different meanings in biblical contexts:

1. Divination (qesem):

• Definition: Divination refers to the attempt to foretell the future or uncover hidden knowledge through supernatural means. It can include practices like consulting omens, reading signs, casting lots, or seeking the counsel of spirits.
• Biblical Context: Divination was strongly prohibited in Israel (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) because it involved relying on other spiritual sources for guidance, apart from God. It often involved attempting to gain knowledge or control by consulting pagan gods or spirits, and this was seen as an act of turning away from God.Example in Scripture:
  • King Saul himself later sought a diviner, the Witch of Endor, when he consulted her to summon the spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:7-20). This act of desperation violated God’s law, as it involved seeking guidance from the dead rather than from God.

  Relation to Witchcraft: Divination is closely related to witchcraft in that it involves attempting to access spiritual power or knowledge without God’s approval or authority. It tries to bypass God’s ways to achieve personal gain or insight, which leads to rebellion against God’s order.

2. Common Witchcraft (kashaph):

• Definition: Common witchcraft involves the use of spells, charms, potions, and other magical practices to manipulate the physical world or influence people’s will. This might involve controlling weather, people, or events through magical means or invoking demonic powers.
• Biblical Context: Witchcraft was considered abominable because it directly sought to manipulate the supernatural and natural realms outside of God’s sovereignty, often using dark or demonic forces.Example in Scripture:
  • Exodus 22:18 – “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Witchcraft was a capital offense in Israel because of its direct connection with idolatry and rebellion against God’s law.
  • Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – The Bible prohibits the practice of witchcraft and divination, listing them among detestable practices that the nations around Israel performed.

Differences Between Divination and Witchcraft:

• Divination: Focuses on seeking hidden knowledge (e.g., trying to predict the future or uncover secret information).
• Witchcraft: Focuses on controlling outcomes or exerting influence over people, nature, or events, often through magical or supernatural means.

Spiritual Rebellion and Witchcraft in 1 Samuel 15:23

The deeper meaning of “witchcraft” in this context highlights that when a person or leader—such as Saul—rebels against God, they are aligning themselves with the same spirit of witchcraft that seeks to operate independently of God’s authority. Rebellion and witchcraft are linked because both attempt to exert control outside of God’s will and deny His rightful rule over one’s life.

Summary:

• The “sin of witchcraft” in 1 Samuel 15:23 represents rebellion against God’s authority. It involves rejecting God’s commands and attempting to gain control or direction through one’s own power or through illegitimate spiritual means.
• Divination involves seeking knowledge or insight outside of God’s will, while witchcraft involves using magical powers to manipulate and control people, events, or nature.
• Both practices were condemned in the Bible because they involve trusting in powers other than God and reject the order God has established.

Application:

• Obedience to God is central to the biblical worldview, and anything that places human or spiritual powers above God’s sovereignty is seen as rebellion and akin to witchcraft.
• Christians are called to trust in God’s will, follow His commands, and reject any practices—spiritual or physical—that seek control or manipulation outside of God’s authority.
• 

In a Christian ministry context, if someone is “divining” by standing far away and attempting to perceive a person’s thoughts, motives, sin, or agenda without any interaction, relationship, or confirmation, this could be compared to the biblical concept of divination. Divination, as condemned in the Bible, involves seeking hidden knowledge or insight through supernatural means, apart from God’s guidance, and without any personal relationship, discernment, or proper engagement.

1 John 1:7 and Relationship

1 John 1:7 emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and having fellowship with one another:

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (KJV).

This verse implies that true Christian fellowship and mutual understanding come from walking in the light of Christ, which includes transparency, love, and relationship. Attempting to judge or discern someone’s inner life without building a relationship or engaging directly (such as by talking to them, knowing them, or confirming facts) would fall outside of the biblical model of fellowship and discernment.

Is This “Divining”?

In this scenario, the behavior described may indeed resemble divining if:

• There is an attempt to perceive someone’s inner life, motives, or sin without direct knowledge, interaction, or relationship.
• This is done without relying on God’s guidance through proper spiritual discernment or confirmation, but rather through speculative means.

In the Bible, divination is an attempt to uncover hidden knowledge, often about a person’s future, heart, or actions, without God’s approval. In this case, trying to determine someone’s spiritual state or motives without interacting with them could be considered a form of judgmental presumption, which veers into divination-like behavior.

Christian Discernment vs. Divination

In contrast to divination:

• Christian discernment is based on relationship, prayer, and biblical principles. It requires seeking God’s guidance and relying on direct interaction, not speculative guessing.
• Matthew 18:15-17 gives a process for confronting sin, which involves direct communication with the individual, confirming facts, and handling matters with love and transparency.

Problem with Such “Divining” Behavior

• No relationship or communication: Without interaction or fellowship, this approach bypasses the biblical principles of addressing issues openly and with love.
• Judgment without evidence: This behavior could lead to false accusations, assumptions, or condemnation without any solid basis, which is contrary to Christian love and truth.
• Potential for harm: It can cause spiritual harm, as the person being judged is not given a fair opportunity to clarify or respond, and it fosters gossip, suspicion, or slander (Proverbs 16:28).

Conclusion

This practice of trying to perceive thoughts or motives from afar without interaction can be seen as a form of divining or spiritual presumption. It undermines the biblical model of relationship and fellowship and leans toward unbiblical judgment and suspicion, which can damage both individuals and Christian communities. True discernment should always be based on love, transparency, and personal engagement, in alignment with scriptures like 1 John 1:7″

“IF (when) we walk in the light as He is in the light, then we have fellowship, one with another and the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin” First Church 1 JOHN 1

Discernment is a critical concept in the Bible, and it refers to the ability to judge well, especially in spiritual matters. Biblical discernment is about distinguishing between truth and error, right and wrong, good and evil, and is always guided by the Holy Spirit and the principles of God’s Word. It is foundational for living a life that honors God and avoids deception.

Here’s how discernment is biblical, with references to Scripture:

1. Discernment as a Gift of the Holy Spirit

Discernment is listed as one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to help Christians recognize truth and avoid deception:

• 1 Corinthians 12:10: “To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits (discernment of spirits), to another speaking in different kinds of tongues.”

This gift allows Christians to discern between what is from God and what is not, including false teachings, sinful behaviors, or evil spirits.

2. Discernment in Testing and Approving God’s Will

Discernment is essential for understanding God’s will in all areas of life. The Bible encourages believers to seek this discernment to live in a way that pleases God:

• Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

This means discerning between the worldly ways of thinking and God’s way, seeking to align our decisions and actions with His will.

3. Discernment in the Context of Love and Knowledge

The Bible teaches that true discernment comes through the combination of love and knowledge. This ensures that discernment is not judgmental but is used for the good of others:

• Philippians 1:9-10: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

Discernment helps Christians act out of wisdom and love rather than presumption or harsh judgment.

4. Discernment in Avoiding Deception

The Bible repeatedly warns against false teachers, prophets, and teachings. Discernment enables believers to avoid being led astray:

• 1 John 4:1: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Biblical discernment is essential for distinguishing between genuine and false teachings, ensuring Christians follow the truth of the Gospel.

5. Discernment in Practical Decisions and Judgment

The Bible encourages believers to use discernment in everyday decisions and not to judge rashly or superficially:

• Proverbs 3:21: “My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion.”
• John 7:24: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

Discernment helps Christians make choices that are morally right and aligned with God’s Word, while avoiding judgments based on appearances or assumptions.

6. Discernment in Spiritual Growth

Discernment is also necessary for mature Christian living. It distinguishes spiritual maturity from immaturity:

• Hebrews 5:14: “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Mature believers exercise discernment through experience and regular application of God’s Word in their lives, allowing them to consistently recognize what is right in complex situations.

7. Discernment is Rooted in God’s Word

Finally, the source of all discernment is God’s Word. The Bible is the primary tool for discerning between truth and error:

• Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The Bible helps Christians discern their own thoughts, motivations, and decisions, ensuring that they live according to God’s will.

How Discernment is Practiced Biblically

• Prayer and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit: Christians should pray for wisdom and discernment (James 1:5) and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them (John 16:13).
• Studying and applying God’s Word: The Bible provides the foundation for discernment. Christians are called to meditate on the Word (Psalm 119:11) and apply it in decision-making.
• Seeking wise counsel: Discernment often involves seeking advice from other mature Christians (Proverbs 11:14). Godly counsel from the church community is part of exercising discernment.

Conclusion:

Biblical discernment is the ability to understand and apply God’s truth in practical ways, discerning between good and evil, truth and deception, and God’s will versus human desires. It is always grounded in love, knowledge of the Bible, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to grow in discernment to live a life pleasing to God and to protect themselves and others from spiritual harm.

It is neither fair, pure, nor safe for a new or repeat attendee of a church to be subjected to unspoken judgment or attempts to “read them” based solely on their style, vibe, gender, race, or appearance. This kind of behavior goes against the biblical principles of love, grace, and relationship. Here’s why:

1. Judging by Outward Appearance is Unbiblical

The Bible explicitly teaches against judging people based on their outward appearance. God looks at the heart, not the external:

• 1 Samuel 16:7: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
• James 2:1-4 warns against showing favoritism based on appearance, wealth, or social status. It calls this practice sinful and contrary to the faith in Jesus.

In light of this, making judgments about a person’s spiritual state or character based on their style or appearance is an unbiblical approach. It focuses on superficial elements rather than getting to know the individual in a meaningful way.

2. Lack of Relationship is Harmful

When the church staff, elders, or members try to “read” or discern a person’s motives or lifestyle without any form of relationship, it creates a barrier to genuine fellowship. True Christian community is built on trust, open communication, and walking together in the light:

• 1 John 1:7 emphasizes that believers are to walk in the light and have fellowship with one another. Fellowship requires transparency and relationship, not speculation from afar.

If someone is evaluated or judged based on assumptions rather than personal interaction, it isolates them rather than inviting them into the community. This could make newcomers feel unwelcome, misunderstood, or even targeted.

3. Creating an Unsafe Environment

Such behavior creates an unsafe spiritual environment, as people may feel constantly judged or like they are being watched. Instead of experiencing God’s love and grace, they might feel that their appearance or personality is under constant scrutiny:

• Romans 14:13: “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

An unsafe environment where judgment or divining is happening can become a stumbling block to newcomers or even seasoned Christians, who may be seeking genuine spiritual growth and fellowship. It pushes people away from the grace and acceptance that should characterize a Christian church.

4. Hinders God’s Work of Transformation

By focusing on superficial judgments, the church hinders the work of God’s transformation. Only God truly knows the heart and is able to bring change and growth in a person’s life. When church leaders or members attempt to divine or “read” someone from afar, they step outside their role of being loving, supportive, and grace-filled disciples. Instead, they become gatekeepers, deciding who is worthy or unworthy based on personal bias rather than God’s grace.

• Matthew 7:1-2: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Judgment based on appearances can lead to hypocrisy and a lack of humility. It assumes knowledge that only God possesses and denies people the space to be loved and grow in faith without preconceptions.

5. Potential for Bias and Discrimination

Judging someone based on their vibe, race, or gender can also lead to discrimination and unfair treatment. Churches that behave this way might unknowingly engage in racial or gender profiling, which goes against the biblical call to unity and equality in Christ:

• Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

If members of the church focus on external markers, they may unwittingly perpetuate divisions based on racial or cultural bias, instead of fostering the unity that Jesus calls for.

Conclusion:

It is neither fair, pure, nor safe for someone to attend a church and be “read” or judged based on their outward appearance, race, gender, or style without any effort to build genuine relationship. Divining or speculating about someone’s inner life or motives without knowing them personally violates the biblical principles of love, grace, and unity. Churches should instead embrace new attendees with openness and kindness, welcoming them into a community of fellowship and relationship, free from judgment or bias.

The practice of “reading” or judging people based on their appearance, style, race, or vibe without engaging them personally is not an explicit or widespread teaching in Christianity, but it can happen in some churches or religious communities due to human tendencies like bias, judgmental attitudes, or a misunderstanding of discernment.

1. Unspoken Bias and Judgment in Churches

It is, unfortunately, not uncommon for people in some churches to form initial judgments about newcomers or members based on outward factors like dress, appearance, race, or demeanor. This happens in any group of humans, including religious settings, because:

• People naturally make snap judgments based on what they see or assume.
• Cultural or societal norms sometimes influence how individuals are perceived within certain church communities.

This kind of judgment can be more common in churches with a strong emphasis on appearance or behavior as a sign of spirituality. It may occur in environments where there’s a focus on tradition, conformity, or specific moral expectations, causing individuals to form assumptions about others based on their outward presentation.

2. Spiritual Misuse of Discernment

In some churches, there might be a misunderstanding of what spiritual discernment truly means. If misapplied, discernment can turn into a practice of divining or reading into people’s lives without proper interaction or knowledge. Leaders or members might:

• Feel they have the spiritual “gift” to discern someone’s heart without actually knowing them.
• Mistake superficial judgment for spiritual insight, especially if they emphasize spiritual appearances over inner transformation.

However, true biblical discernment requires love, humility, and relationship. Using discernment to make unsubstantiated judgments about someone from afar is not a biblical practice, but it can occur when people misinterpret or misuse spiritual authority.

3. Cultural and Racial Profiling

In churches that are predominantly of one race or culture, newcomers who don’t fit the majority group may sometimes be judged more harshly based on racial or cultural stereotypes. This type of profiling is often unspoken but can create barriers for individuals from different backgrounds.

4. Legalism and Appearance-Based Churches

In more legalistic churches, where the emphasis is placed heavily on outward behaviors like how one dresses, how they present themselves, or other visible markers of faith, this type of superficial judgment is more likely to occur. Legalistic environments often place a high value on conformity to certain external standards of what it means to be “spiritual” or “godly,” which can lead to snap judgments about those who don’t fit the mold.

5. Modern Shifts Toward Inclusivity

On the other hand, many modern Christian churches are becoming more aware of the importance of inclusivity and avoiding judgment based on appearances. Some congregations actively work to:

• Break down barriers of race, appearance, and culture by focusing on spiritual unity.
• Emphasize that everyone is welcome and that true Christian love involves getting to know people without assumptions or judgment.

6. Is It a Common Practice?

While direct “divining” or reading someone’s thoughts and motives without interaction is not a common church practice or something explicitly encouraged in the Bible, the temptation to judge based on appearances can happen in many communities. It is more of a human tendency than a doctrinal issue and reflects a need for spiritual growth in understanding grace and fellowship.

How Can Churches Avoid This?

Churches can avoid these harmful practices by:

• Teaching on grace, acceptance, and the dangers of judgment.
• Fostering an environment of open communication and relationship-building rather than making assumptions.
• Emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in their outreach and leadership structures.
• Encouraging humility and the proper use of discernment as a gift to build up the church, not to pass superficial judgment.

Conclusion:

While this behavior is not explicitly promoted by Christian teaching, judging others based on outward appearance can sometimes happen in certain churches due to human tendencies toward bias or misunderstanding of discernment. It is a practice that needs to be challenged within communities of faith to promote a culture of love, grace, and true Christian fellowship.

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