Coming to conclusions about others is easy, isn’t it?
We judge others based on what we see and hear, then formulate a decision based on what we deem acceptable. We condemn others by decreeing their sentence, and rarely can someone return from that place: the road to redemption is narrow.
Jesus knew what it was like to live in an era when doling out shame, or being given the highest pedestal of honor, was a part of the day-to-day. Back then, people were defined by the groups and regions they represented. We need to look no further than the parable of the Good Samaritan, right? Everyone had a place, knew their place and Jesus—the Changemaker—didn’t like it. Challenging His followers, He wanted them to spend less time condemning and more time loving. Fewer minutes elevating their piousness and more moments serving the lost. Put down the weapons of casting shame and guilt and refuse to enter the boxing ring to break others down.
None should cast the first stone, for all have sinned and fallen short of glory.
Beloved, Jesus’s words in red should challenge you to leave judgment to the One on High. It doesn’t mean we overlook transgressions; instead, we look upon others with loving eyes and hearts. We all know what it is like to be on the receiving end of condemnation. Let’s not pass that hurt onto others or allow it to distract us from the work: sharing our Savior’s mercy and message of grace.
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