THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 6:37-42
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” (Luke 6:37)
To judge someone is to announce the final verdict.
To declare that we know who they really are, and what they deserve.
The issue here is not whether there are things that need to be judged.
There is right and wrong, good and evil, and each of us is affected by it somehow.
The issue here is when we think we can pronounce a verdict on someone else.
As if we know their hearts, as if we know everything we need to know to pass judgment.
We have our own flaws and blind spots, who are we to condemn others.
This does not mean that we cannot discern right from wrong, truth from error.
But at all times we must love, be patient and forgiving, and extend mercy to sinners.
Just as we need these same things for ourselves.
Murder is wrong, but the murderer needs help, love, grace, mercy.
Murder is not an unforgivable sin; God still stands alongside the murderer.
Not condoning their deed, but redeeming their soul, helping them change.
This is what He does with me too… thankfully.
Each of us has a plank in our own eye; and everyone else’s issues are specks to me.
May God measure abundant mercy on us all… and may I do the same.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us as ‘christians’ for being judgmental and hypocritical. Forgive us for claiming Your mercy for ourselves, but refusing to extend it to others.