If God is known for Grace, How can We , HIs Followers Be known for Judgement, The exact opposite.
September 24 – No Judgment Here
2:267 – No Judgement Here

#faithbites #faithjourney #redletterchallenge judgment

At the reception this evening, they had drinks and cheese. One participant was “fighting” with the cheese trying to cut off a chunk and took a huge chunk. She apologized, felt the need to say she was getting a plate for the table, and I said no judgment here. I truly meant it. You want to eat a big hunk of cheese go for it. Later on, I had a couple of people be a little cautious about talking about American politics, most were Canadian, I said speak your mind. Regardless of how I felt, it was good to discuss. Then during dinner, we were talking about the difference between American and Canadian currency and a gentleman said they used to have a three dollar bill but got rid of it. He then said, we say something is funny as a 3 dollar bill. My response was in the states, many say “Queer as a 3 dollar bill”. He replied that they have more political awareness and say funny. For the first time, I thought about that saying and it clicked why it could be bad. But he didn’t judge, they showed grace.

All of this is a long way about saying God grants us grace, why do we judge?

Scripture
  • because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. – James 2:13
  • But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. – Ephesians 2:4-5
Reflection

We all mess up. Unless we are perfect, what right do we have to judge? We use wrong words, we commit wrong actions, and just plain make mistakes. In our verses, we see that mercy is a quality of Christ and that it triumphs over judgment. Jesus tells us that we were dead because of our sins but his mercy and grace save us. If Jesus can see past our uncleanliness, why can’t we be better at mercy?

Imagine if we gave forgiveness freely and didn’t judge. I am often asked why I have friends who are non-Christian. My response is it isn’t my place to judge them. I tell them my beliefs and share the word with them. If they chose to believe great, but I can’t force it on them. I grant them grace.

My hope is when I interact with others, they grant me Grace, give me forgiveness, and accept my sincerest apologies.

Challenge

This is another hard one. Look at someone who you don’t agree with. Maybe it’s politics, religion, attitude, or actions. Instead of tearing them down or mocking them, grant them mercy. Don’t judge them. Show them love and compassion. God will deal with all on judgment day. Our job is to love our neighbors and share His word.

Prayer

Lord, help us to be more like you. You put some many people and experiences in our path. Every day you give us the opportunity to show mercy and grace. When we fail to do so, you give us the lesson again. Help us to learn this lesson. Be with us as we struggle to forgive others and to show total mercy. This is challenging but with your love and grace, we can succeed. In your name, Amen.

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