Fields United Methodist Church

Thoughts Along the Way

Pastor Tom Joyce

July 7, 2021

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.”  Luke 6:37

Perhaps more than anything else, Jesus calls us not to judge other people. Judgment happens anytime we believe we know the motives, actions, and heart of somebody else even though we really have no clue. Among the joys of travel is not only the refreshment of body and soul, but the realization of all those around us who are attempting the same.  It is tempting, though, to try to figure out motivations for behavior or to figure out why someone is wearing heavy clothes in the middle of the summer. Worse yet, we could be tempted to judge what we think they may be thinking. Trouble is, Jesus did not simply say it is a bad idea to judge someone else, he said, “DO NOT JUDGE!” (emphasis mine) Take care that you, the judge, may well be judged to an even higher standard.  Jesus has given us a gift of not having to be judge and jury of those around us, rather let Jesus be the judge; after all, being the Son of God, he is immanently more qualified!  Take time to be holy and celebrate the joy of the Lord and leave the judgment to God. Life is too short and eternity too long to get all wrapped up with thinking we know the motives and heart of others. Let it go and first seek God’s forgiveness, considering first the “Log in your own eye before removing the speck in another’s eye.” Maybe our time is better taken caring for our own relationship with Jesus so then we can better care for and truly love our neighbor with celebration and not condemnation.  It is amazing how much more enjoyable life is without the burden of judging others. So let us rejoice in the Lord always, and leave the judging to him!