Have you observed any “witch hunts” lately? If you were ever the object of one, you probably knew it. While you may identify yourself as a victim, those on the offense are often blind about their own rush to judgment. Witch hunts are often the result of a common problem we have as humans – the demonization of those who are not like us, who oppose our viewpoints, who have dubious dealings, and who seem to have unscrupulous reputations.

The term “witch hunt” goes back to a time when the populace at large was actually engaged in hunting down those who they thought were witches. They wanted them eliminated from society so that their influence could be eradicated. We can think back to stories of early America and the infamous Salem witch trials as an example, but real witch hunts were regular activities in many locations around the world for several centuries. Oftentimes, the ones who were accused were quickly sentenced using only hearsay or circumstantial evidence and the mob who found them often served as their judge, jury and executioner.

The truth is, we often make these same mistakes as Christians. The Bible says that while God is the only righteous judge, He has called us and equipped us to make judgments about people, philosophies, practices (and yes, even politics!). However, our sin nature often compels us to make rash judgments, to be judgmental, and to go on a “witch hunt” before we have gathered all the facts. We are quick to lose our objectivity and lash out with an emotional response instead of taking time to understand the evidence and righteously discern the facts as God would have us to do.

This was a problem for the people of Israel, as they were warned about making rash judgments of even those who would generally be considered worldly, ungodly and sinful. God often called on the people of Israel to execute judgment against the pagan people and nations around them. However, even in these cases, God tells his chosen people to get all the facts first. Read these few verses from Deuteronomy 13:12-15 right now. It should be noted that even in this biblical era where bloodshed was a common outcome for sinfulness, it was not to be done lightly. Proper and thorough investigation was required before moving forward with the consequences.

How often do we shoot first and aim second? We would do well to heed this same warning to be SURE whether “if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you” (v.14) before deciding to pass judgment. We don’t see the hearts and motives of those around us. Therefore, our only recourse for making judgments must be based on the evidence, the fruit, and the actions of those who are accused. And, if our objective in investigating someone is to find a reason to see them punished, we need to know that our heart is not in sync with God the Father. God’s heart is revealed to us in 2 Peter 3:9, in that He “is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Our desire in investigating another should not be punishment or elimination, but rather to bring them to a place of repentance, resulting in fellowship with God.

So, the next time you are tempted to join in on a “witch hunt”, remember the words of James 1:19-20 – “My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” It has been said that God might have given us two ears and two eyes but only one mouth for a reason – so that we might listen and observe twice as much as we talk. It would do us all well to remember this truth the next time we are charged with the emotions of the moment, but lacking all of the facts. Be slow to speak and slow to wrath and you may find that your judgment can be used as a means to work the righteousness of God in your life as well as the lives of those around you.