and to destroy. But you, who are you to be judging your neighbor?”​—Jas. 4:11, 12.

James could rightly use such strong language, because Christians are commanded to love their brothers. (Jas. 2:8; 1 John 3:14-17) Now, would it be loving for them to speak against their brothers, to judge their actions, motives and manner of living by a standard other than that found in the Bible? Certainly not. Rather, persons thus judging would be setting themselves up as being above the law of love that God gives. (Matt. 22:36-40; Rom. 13:8-10) They would be ‘judging that law’ as not applying to them.

What can cause a person to become involved in wrongly judging his brothers? He may impose his conscience on them in strictly personal matters. He may make his own tastes and manner of doing things the basis for judging their worth and motivations. Thereby he ignores the fact that people are very different and have different needs, likes and dislikes. It is vital therefore to watch that a person does not get an exalted opinion of himself. No imperfect human can set himself up as a standard for judging others.

Christians are also counseled against judging nonbelievers as individuals. The apostle Paul reminded Christians at Corinth that “God judges those outside.” (1 Cor. 5:13) God’s devoted people have no right to pass sentence upon individuals outside the congregation and to inflict punishment on them. The admonition applying to Christians is: “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.’”​—Rom. 12:19.

In this regard, Christians can follow the good example of the archangel Michael. When disputing with the Devil about Moses’ body, Michael “did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: ‘May Jehovah rebuke you.’” (Jude 9) In this way Michael showed proper regard and respect for Jehovah’s position as Supreme Judge.

Furthermore, Christians should not judge others as being too sinful to deserve hearing the “good news” of God’s kingdom. They know that it is God’s desire that all men, if they but wish, come to an accurate knowledge of the truth and gain salvation. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Hence, they should show their love to fellowmen in an impartial way by making an effort to reach everyone with the comforting message contained in the Bible.

Clearly, then, Christians can make serious judgments or assessments with reference to persons only when they do so on the basis of the Bible. For them to rely on personal opinion or preference could lead to their being judged adversely by the Supreme Judge, Jehovah God.

“Divine Sovereignty” District Assemblies

THIS is a time of year when readers of The Watchtower begin to make plans to attend one of the annual district assemblies of Jehovah’s witnesses. The Watch Tower Society is pleased to announce that arrangements are being made for such assemblies in the northern hemisphere for June, July and August. Thereafter, if it be the Lord’s will, they will be held in other lands around the earth.

“Divine Sovereignty” is the assembly theme​—and a most appropriate one, in view of the fact that it is this issue that urgently confronts all intelligent creatures.

The assemblies are four days long. The daily program will usually run from about 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 3:00 to about 5:30 p.m. Arrangements are being made for a baptismal program at each assembly, in most cases on Friday morning. Unless otherwise indicated, the full program at the assemblies listed here will be in English.

So that you can select an assembly convenient