CALLED TO LOVE, NOT JUDGE OR CONDEMN

John 21:19-23

I have come to the realization that it is not my business to judge or even have an opinion about other people and the way they live their lives.  That is God’s business and He is far better suited to the task.  With that understanding under my belt I am better able to interact with others the way I see Jesus interact with others as he walked through his life here on earth.  He loved all people and gave them respect for who they were regardless of their “station in life”.  With that understanding under my belt I can spend my time conforming my life into all God wants it to be.

Jesus called me to love everyone, even those who are my enemies.  I can’t do that if I am judging or criticizing them.  Only God knows what is in the hearts of people.  He knows the whys and wherefores of all of our lives.  He alone knows where these people are with Him and He is working in their lives in ways I cannot see or comprehend.  He looks beyond their faults and pours out love on their needs, and I believe He expects that kindness from me as well.  It is not an easy task but often obedience is not an easy task, and that is what I believe I am called to do.  I cannot do this in my flesh.  I can only do this by the assistance of the Holy Spirit living within me.

I feel better when I am more loving than judging.  There is a hardness in heart that I feel when I am condemning or critical of others, even when in my self righteousness I think they deserve it.  I believe that is due to the fact that my self is not righteous when I am behaving in a way that God doesn’t honor and doesn’t honor God.  My righteousness is only in Him and that means obedience to him in all I think and do.  It is a simple formula that He gave Cain. “If you do well, will you not be accepted?  And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door.  And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Genesis 4:7). 

I live in a condemning and critical world that is full of judgment and opinions about other people.  I believe that God’s love trumps all of that.  When I am walking in that Spirit and in that frame of mind I can do what I am called to do.  I hold to the example that Jesus set forth and then I am able to do well.