“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org
The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie http://www.harvest.org/devotional
Written by Sebastian D’Souza for “Christ Within Us”
@ https://www.facebook.com/groups/326510800760875/permalink/1696113573800584/
ACTIONS OF LOVE – 15
DON’T CONDEMN THOSE WHO ARE DOWN.
“…Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang.” (Luke 6:37)
This morning we continue our series entitled “You think you know what Love is?” We have now covered 14 of the 17 actions of God’s love found in Luke 6:27-38. This morning we look at action 15: Don’t condemn those who are down.
This message flows in the same vein as the one from yesterday. The word translated “condemn” in this text means to give or pass judgment upon; to pronounce judgment against. This is a warning against a critical spirit. Jesus clearly explained this issue of judgment in Matthew chapter 7 when He said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
The point here is that love focuses on others for the purpose of being a blessing, but it focuses on self when it comes time for judgment. Self-judgment, or in other words, taking self-inventory, is a healthy practice and it should be part of our daily lives. However, we should not be in the practice of judging others daily. As a matter of fact, once we truly judge ourselves, we are less prone to judge others. Those that are babes in Christ are often the ones that are quick to judge.
Seasoned believers seem to be less judgmental. Why? Because the more you know about God, the less you think of yourself. As you grow in Christ you seem to thank God more and more, because you realize how much He does for you that you do not deserve. The more you know about the many times that God covered you with His grace and mercy, the less critical you will be of others’ mistakes.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that love is there to pick up those who are down, not to kick them down further. Paul said, “Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status” (Romans 15:1).
Are you in Christ for service? If so, then you will be there to help and not to hurt those who are down. Pick someone up today. Pick them up with a smile, kind word, a listening ear or a few moments to show you care. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care! Show God’s love through your life today.
Confession for this day: Lord God, I thank You for Your goodness, Your kindness, Your grace, and Your mercy towards me. There are countless times where You did not give me what I deserved, but rather showered good things upon me, even when I did not deserve them. Your grace and mercy are real to me. The more I know about “me,” the less judgmental I am about others. My strength is for service, not for status. I am here to help and not to hurt. I am here to be a blessing and not a burden. I am not looking for ways to pronounce judgment upon others, I am looking for ways to restore them to their fullness so that You can get the maximum glory from their lives! Use me as a vessel of love and restoration. Amen.
MORE YOU GROW IN THE LORD, LESS YOU THINK OF YOURSELVES. GOD DELIGHTS WITH SUCH ATTITUDE.
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P.S.) If you are not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes. This, after the Holy Spirit changes your will to understand and then obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
