Jesus lists judgment as the first of the weightier matters in Matthew 23. Judgment is a major part of Christianity, but needs to be properly understood.

Many have a love-hate relationship with mercy: They love to receive it, but hate to give it! Here is why we should lean toward mercy in all our judgments.

Faith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.

The Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.

The Gnostics criticized by Paul in Colossians 2:16-17 were guilty of bringing in ritualistic ascetic discipline to propitiate demons.

In Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:9-10, Paul was warning against mixing Gnostic asceticism and pagan customs with the keeping of God's Sabbath and Holy Days.

If we feel we are better than our brethren, separating ourselves from them, we are hypocrites and actors, harboring the leavening of the Pharisees in us.

It is easy to fall into the traps of judgmentalism, gossip, and unforgiveness. We must overcome our natural reactions and use forbearance in our relationships.

We need to exercise humility and forbearance when we deal with the weaknesses of our brethren, restoring them in love as we would expect them to do for us.

We must emulate the ways of God, demonstrating justice in our lives, thoughts, words, and deeds, preparing to judge in God's Kingdom. Not all sins are equal.

Overconcern with the around-and-about tends to distracts us, and before we know it we are off course. Preparation for God's Kingdom depends on our focus

Even as several grandiose building projects have terminated because of cost overruns, so must we carefully count the cost of our spiritual building project.

we learn righteous judgment through learning to see the consequences of our thoughts, words, and behaviors as they affect us and the lives of others.

We need to develop righteous judgment about what constitutes a genuine Sabbath emergency and what may be a deceptive rationalization of our human nature.

The biblical system of tithing has been a point of controversy among Christians for centuries. Was the law of tithing changed for Christ's church?

Micah 5 describes legal proceedings against the people who have rejected God, promising a harsh retribution but future restoration for a physical remnant.

Micah provides a formula for being a Christian: 1.) Doing justly, 2.) Exercising mercy and 3.) Walking humbly. These demand total commitment, not a pretense.

Both legalism and liberalism can lead to our destruction. God's word implanted in our hearts and minds will promote a perfect balance.

Doctrine and practice be evenly balanced. If the behaviors are detached from principle and doctrine, the weightier matters of the law will be neglected.

At its base, gluttony is nothing more than a lack of self-control. But there is also a more spiritual side to this prevalent sin.