THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38
READ
Each of the characteristics listed in this passage are important aspects of God, all of which are constantly misused. In Christ’s time the Pharisees and other teachers of the Law were very judgmental, unforgiving (legalistic) and, as Jesus pointed out, rather un-genuine about their generous giving. Contrary to popular belief, these people were often praised for their zealous adherence to the Law and dedication to God. It was not until Jesus began His ministry that people realized something was fundamentally missing from the religion of that time. Jesus was accepting of people and not condemning. Jesus was compassionate to their plight. Jesus was genuinely giving and brought encouragement and healing into people’s lives.
In the same today, there is a false idea today that one who is holy is the person who points out faults in others in a judgemental way. Or one who is holy has the job of reminding people of their sin and failure. But Jesus lays the responsibility on ourselves to live out true holiness as we follow His example and not to see our holiness in contrast to other people.
PREPARE
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
PRAY
- Pray that God can help us to not look at others to judge our own place
- Pray that God helps us to become more forgiving, generous, and non-judgmental
TRUST
- Thank God for hearing you
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
FOLLOW
What’s happening around us?
All proceeds from MCC Thrift Stores (including the New Hamburg Thrift Centre and Waterloo Generations Thrift Store) go to MCC’s development work at home and in 65 countries abroad. The MCC Thrift motto is “where every purchase is a gift to the world”.
Help out by donating items to and purchasing items from MCC Thrift shops or by volunteering (roles include customer service, sorting & pricing, display and shop operations).
http://www.ontario.mcc.org/thrift