Don’t Judge just love !

Call To Prayer

Title: Don’t judge just love

By: Njuacha Hubert

Date: 22.03.2022

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. Acts 9:13-15

Sometimes like Anannias did in the opening verse, we find ourselves judging and condemning people instead of showing them mercy and love. We fall into the temptation of despising people when we hear negative reports about them or learn about their weaknesses. We don’t see them for what they can be but only for what they are now, yet love hopes all things (1 Corinthians 13:7). This requires serious grace. We are talking about seeing with the eyes of God which is the eyes of mercy. Jesus Christ didn’t die for us because He saw how good we were but it was a risk, that is, with the hope that some will believe in the love of God and repent (John 3:16). But we who call ourselves Christ followers we want people repent then we love them. We feel we are loving people when we love our family and friends and those who do us good. That’s good! but it is a natural response to love those who love us however the challenge comes with loving the undeserving (even if it may be less than what you will give to that who really deserves). That’s when it is an expression of God’s mercy who causes the rain to fall on the good and evil and that’s the level God wants us to operate at. “..I desire mercy not sacrifice…” (Matthew 12:7, Hosea 6:6).

Mathew 7:7:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

You might think how will this person get punished? Sometimes we are not in a position to correct and can only judge or love. So why not love and leave judgment to God? Moreover ask yourself, “Am I perfect, I who wants to throw this stone…”

Luke 12:48:
“But the servant who does not know what his master wants, and yet does something for which he deserves a whipping, will be punished with a light whipping. Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given.”

Sometimes people are expressing meanness because of the little love they themselves received and we criticize and condemn their little results not knowing that perhaps God is impressed with how much they are giving from the little they received and is disappointed with me who can’t forgive despite the abundant grace and mercy I have received in Christ. Maybe all they need is just our mercy to experience God. And then they can surprise me; the “church champion” or “modern-day pharisee”. Remember God is the one we are expecting rewards from not men even if they pass through men. So we can do things for the sake of God. Don’t judge just love!

Prayer Point:

Let’s thank God for His mercy and goodness. Pray for the grace to extend that mercy and goodness.