The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 7:1,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
I can't help but think this is a verse that is often misunderstood. Jesus tells us that if we are judging others, we ourselves will be judged. However, he also taught, "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." Matthew 18:15.
Clearly, the truth of what Jesus was getting at comports with both passages. However, if I am the culprit and get caught with my hand in the cookie jar, I just may be tempted to tell others who call me out to not be so judgmental.
Paul tells us in Galatians 6:1-2, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
It appears to me that being judgmental carries with it the attitude of condemning others. It is not our place to condemn. God has a judgment awaiting that takes care of that.
If we view Paul's exhortation in Galatians we find we have a responsibility for those around us. We should approach others caught up in a sin in a way that is most helpful to bring about their restoration from whatever it is - to see them in a right relationship with the Lord. I believe the Lord gifts many with such an ability. Blessed are those who do so!
To avoid responsibilities for those around us is not so good. I sometimes wonder if the judgmental attitudes of some are not equally matched by those who avoid their responsibilities for others caught in sin.
What wonderful brothers and sisters those are who, rather than condemn us or shirk their responsibility towards us, are there for us to encourage us in living our lives pleasing to God.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
I can't help but think this is a verse that is often misunderstood. Jesus tells us that if we are judging others, we ourselves will be judged. However, he also taught, "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." Matthew 18:15.
Clearly, the truth of what Jesus was getting at comports with both passages. However, if I am the culprit and get caught with my hand in the cookie jar, I just may be tempted to tell others who call me out to not be so judgmental.
Paul tells us in Galatians 6:1-2, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
It appears to me that being judgmental carries with it the attitude of condemning others. It is not our place to condemn. God has a judgment awaiting that takes care of that.
If we view Paul's exhortation in Galatians we find we have a responsibility for those around us. We should approach others caught up in a sin in a way that is most helpful to bring about their restoration from whatever it is - to see them in a right relationship with the Lord. I believe the Lord gifts many with such an ability. Blessed are those who do so!
To avoid responsibilities for those around us is not so good. I sometimes wonder if the judgmental attitudes of some are not equally matched by those who avoid their responsibilities for others caught in sin.
What wonderful brothers and sisters those are who, rather than condemn us or shirk their responsibility towards us, are there for us to encourage us in living our lives pleasing to God.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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