Galatians 6:2 tells us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
The Scripture does not say to make light of someone else’s burdens. It doesn’t say to do your part to add to the already unbearable weight of burdens that someone may be under. God’s word also does not give us the privilege of ignoring those burdens.
Yet, if we fall into the trap of judging another person, we may do all of these.
When we make the mistake of judging others, we ignore what their needs are, and the only need we seem to be fulfilling is our need to prove to them that they are wrong.
Every negative action against another person is not only unwanted and unnecessary, but is also completely ungodly.
What the person needs more than anything is for you to show them the love of Christ.
Be Christ Himself to that person. Look for the good in that person. And looking at that person as Christ Himself in front of you, look how you may serve that person with love.
Galatians 6:1 tells us, that if a man is overtaken with a fault, that we, who are spiritual, are to restore that person, in a spirit of meekness. Yet, again, if we are judgmental, we may be tempted to use this passage of Scripture to point out the person’s fault.
“You see, that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!” In being judgmental, most certainly, it will be the “spirit of meekness” that is conspicuous by its absence.
Matthew 6:1 warns us to “beware of practicing our righteousness before men to be noticed. Yet, that is precisely what we do when we get in someone’s face to give them a piece of our mind. If our attitude comes across as, “I’ll show him who’s the boss!” and we feel it necessary to “correct” the person in front of others, then all we have really done is fool ourselves. What we have really done is brought embarrassment and humiliation to the person, and shame upon ourselves. How receptive do we expect someone to be to this kind of behavior? What do we expect that person to learn from our fine example of “I told you so”? God is far from pleased when we put ourselves on a pedestal, just to knock people down. I’m fairly certain it is impossible to build people up if we’re in the business of putting them down. We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 that we are to “build up one another”. The only thing you’re going to build up between yourself and the person you are judging is a very large, unscalable wall. Building up requires a foundation.
Tearing down removes the foundation altogether.
In judging others, we also violate the command in Philippians 1:27, which is to “conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”. What possible worth is there in belittling, discouraging or putting down another person. These have no value at all.
If it is our habit to put the other person in his or her place, to make the other person feel guilty or inferior, then ask, “how is this kind of behavior worthy of the Good News of Christ? It simply isn’t. The widow of Nain could only scrape together a couple of mites, (which together made half a cent) and these were infinitely of more value than any form of condemnation, because condemnation carries a value of zero in any currency.
It is impossible for us to stand united, one in spirit, with the person we have been judging, namely because we’ve been pushing that person over. Colossians 4:5 tells us to “conduct ourselves with wisdom” but that sure doesn’t mean that we can lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)
When we criticize and condemn others, we haven’t even begun to exhibit brotherly love towards others, let alone continue in it, as commanded in Hebrews 13:1.
What kind of brotherly love says its proper to go on a “fault-finding” mission?
How much brotherly love can you handle from someone who is consistently unfair and unreasonable in his or her judgment of you? The Bible says, in Romans 8:1, “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. If you see the person you’ve been accusing as Christ Himself in front of you, would your opinions change… and how fast?
Perhaps now you see those three little fingers pointing back at you that always do when a finger of blame is extended. Perhaps, just perhaps, rather than seeking fault in others, we should be diligently seeking Christ Himself. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that we will be rewarded if we do. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
Do you know what else is impossible to please God with? A spirit of condemnation, an attitude of ill-will, a vitriolic tongue. None of these emanate from the Holy Spirit.
To be judgmental of others is more than just lacking in social graces. What is the missing ingredient? We find the answer in 1 Timothy 4:7. It is the discipline required for the purpose of godliness. You cannot be in pursuit of godliness, of holiness living, of right standing with God while at the same time tearing down and destroying others. It doesn’t suit God’s purposes. It doesn’t fit with what is godly. The underlying tone of hostility delivered in judgment doesn’t fit with God’s love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 tells us to “do all things in love”. Philippians 2:14 also says that we are to “do all things without grumbling and complaining. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 instructs us quite succinctly. It says that we are to “encourage one another”. Encouragement is clearly lacking with the execution of judgment. Passing judgment on others only causes division.
Love multiplies when divided.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Judging Others... Part 1
What are the problems that come with judging others?
First, one would have to honestly ask… am I really “abiding” in Christ?
Have I perhaps overlooked the beam in my own eye in order to clear the speck out of my brother or sisters eye?
1 Thessalonians 5:22 tells us to “abstain from every form of evil”. What part of every includes an offensive, uncalled for, put down and destroy kind of judgment?
Have I perhaps forgotten, or somehow failed to realize, that the person I am judging is in Christ?
Romans 14:1 tells us to “accept the one who is weak in faith”. What kind of acceptance do I offer that goes hand in hand with harsh criticism and ridicule? Perhaps the person “weak in faith” is far greater along spiritually than the mudslinger.
Romans 15:7 says to “accept one another”… so, just how accepting am I of another when they are on the receiving end of the heaviest vituperations I can level at them?
John 3:30 tells us “He must increase, but I must decrease”. The finger of accusation extended to the brothers sounds more like a high-on-the-horse, self-centered puffing up kind of vanity, than it does in building up the Kingdom of God. It sounds more like; “I’m going to increase no matter what, as long as I keep others from increasing.” This is about Christ Himself increasing, and the old, “self” nature decreasing.
Suppose you’re the one getting the sharp end of the stick thrown at you. Further suppose that 1 Corinthians 16:18 comes to mind to “acknowledge those that refresh your spirit”.
What do you say? How do you respond? I’m so much the better for having been in your company. I had no idea the San Andreas was my fault. I truly appreciate your guns-a-blazing approach to communication. That’s a real conversation killer.
God has really gifted you with tremendous “incite”. It could be enough to incite a riot.
Thanks for being on the front lines with me in my struggles. Now my rut is almost deep enough to be a grave. Look… there’s almost enough of my spirit left to heap fresh dirt on.
I’ve really got to hand it to you… you truly have a polishing effect on my character.
It takes a huge leap of faith to get from the gutter to the curb. That’s why I always find your visits so uplifting.
What other problems present themselves in the unnecessary judgment of others?
Perhaps James 1:5 has been overlooked. James tells us to “ask God for wisdom”?
Only spiritual judgment (which seeks to truly edify, uplift, strengthen, encourage and fortify) bears the signature of God’s wisdom. No amount of human wisdom, improperly applied to a situation, can right a wrong. Compared to God’s omniscience, finite comprehension is but a minuscule fraction of understanding.
If God has been left out of the equation altogether, then maybe it’s actually an air of superiority or one of self-righteousness (I would never do that) being communicated.
We may even pretend to know, when in fact, we know nothing at all. Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7).
We are to “be blameless”, as we find recorded in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:7.
To what degree are we blameless when we erroneously judge one of God’s created?
Three Zees. Zip, Zero and Zilch.
Mark 9:50 tells us to “be at peace with one another”…
What kind of peace are we promoting? Our own brand of double standard, superficial peace? One that says I’m willing to overlook your faults… you’ve got a lot of faults, I think I’ll just overlook you altogether.
What’s wrong with this picture? “God so loved the world…” but you’ve taken it upon yourself to disrespect what God has made for His pleasure.
How often have you heard…“let’s just agree to disagree”? That is not unity.
The biggest problem with being judgmental is that it crushes ones’ spirit, destroys hope, kills relationships and steals any possibility of peace. Sounds an awful lot like the work of the Enemy. Being judgmental causes others to shut down, rather than open up.
Certainly, there is no sense of peace one obtains from “loving one another deeply”.
How can we be mirroring the love of Christ Himself to others if we are being judgmental?
1 Timothy 5:17 says to “be considered worthy of double honor”. How much of a fraction less than anything honorable might it be when we are unduly judgmental of others?
1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us to “do all to the glory of God”. Do we suppose God is glorified when we mount our proverbial Pegasus, with wings as seagulls, and all He hears is squawking and screeching at one another? Not a chance!
Ephesians 5:18 says, “Be filled with the Spirit”. Of course that means the Holy Spirit.
Let’s take a further look at what being judgmental means. What spirit do we communicate with that seeks to put another down? Could it be the “spirit of jealousy”?… the “spirit of animosity”?… or perhaps it is the “spirit of hostility”… or a “spirit of unforgiveness”… It could be any or all of these, but the one thing it can’t be is “the spirit of humility” (Isaiah 57:15) or the “Spirit of truth” (John 14:17). Proverbs 18:14 (AMP) says… “The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?”
We find in 2 Timothy 2:24 that we are to “be gentle unto all men”. Are we gentle with some and not others? Do we pretend to be gentle on one hand, but harsh on the other?
What gives us the right to judge anyone else? Isn’t that God’s job? Won’t that be done at the end of time?
How do we imitate those who are examples of a “true Christian” (1 Corinthians 4:16 & 11:1) when we are busy being judgmental? How then are we to be imitators of Christ Himself (Ephesians 5:1) if we squander our time in frivolous judgment of others?
We could also certainly ask, do we really bear the stamp and seal of the Holy Spirit, when we castigate others?
Does the Bible tell us not to bear false witness against a neighbor? Isn’t that exactly what we’re doing when we heap a mountain of blame upon someone’s shoulders? What honor is there in performing this monumental act? (1 Timothy 3:8) Have you heard that those who sling mud seldom gain any ground?
Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to one another. Kindness is a sacred duty we owe to one another. You’d pretty well have to rewrite the definition of “kind” to include “it’s really for your good that I’m telling you this”. Since when did the “milk of human kindness” go stale?
Let’s remember that “tender-hearted” not only means displaying warmth or affection, but also means being susceptible to physical or emotional injury.
How do we handle the explicit instructions in Zechariah 7:9 to “be merciful and compassionate”? Do we just ignore them altogether? Can we really afford to be so rash and uncharitable?
Colossians 3:20 reminds us to “be obedient”. Who are we being obedient to? Ourselves?
What level of patience is 1 Thessalonians 5:14 referring to when it says we are to “be patient with all men”? I’m sorry, but you’ve stepped over my threshold of tolerance!
Excuse me? Truth told… there is no excuse for ignorance. If we willingly choose to ignore God’s word, it is certainly we who are to be judged.
Replace every self-centered reaction with a Christ-centered, Christ Himself response.
When we are obedient to God’s word and actively apply His principles for living, then we show Christ Himself to others. When we treat others in God-honoring ways, then we treat people the same way we will treat Christ Himself. And that with the utmost love a human heart is able to muster.
First, one would have to honestly ask… am I really “abiding” in Christ?
Have I perhaps overlooked the beam in my own eye in order to clear the speck out of my brother or sisters eye?
1 Thessalonians 5:22 tells us to “abstain from every form of evil”. What part of every includes an offensive, uncalled for, put down and destroy kind of judgment?
Have I perhaps forgotten, or somehow failed to realize, that the person I am judging is in Christ?
Romans 14:1 tells us to “accept the one who is weak in faith”. What kind of acceptance do I offer that goes hand in hand with harsh criticism and ridicule? Perhaps the person “weak in faith” is far greater along spiritually than the mudslinger.
Romans 15:7 says to “accept one another”… so, just how accepting am I of another when they are on the receiving end of the heaviest vituperations I can level at them?
John 3:30 tells us “He must increase, but I must decrease”. The finger of accusation extended to the brothers sounds more like a high-on-the-horse, self-centered puffing up kind of vanity, than it does in building up the Kingdom of God. It sounds more like; “I’m going to increase no matter what, as long as I keep others from increasing.” This is about Christ Himself increasing, and the old, “self” nature decreasing.
Suppose you’re the one getting the sharp end of the stick thrown at you. Further suppose that 1 Corinthians 16:18 comes to mind to “acknowledge those that refresh your spirit”.
What do you say? How do you respond? I’m so much the better for having been in your company. I had no idea the San Andreas was my fault. I truly appreciate your guns-a-blazing approach to communication. That’s a real conversation killer.
God has really gifted you with tremendous “incite”. It could be enough to incite a riot.
Thanks for being on the front lines with me in my struggles. Now my rut is almost deep enough to be a grave. Look… there’s almost enough of my spirit left to heap fresh dirt on.
I’ve really got to hand it to you… you truly have a polishing effect on my character.
It takes a huge leap of faith to get from the gutter to the curb. That’s why I always find your visits so uplifting.
What other problems present themselves in the unnecessary judgment of others?
Perhaps James 1:5 has been overlooked. James tells us to “ask God for wisdom”?
Only spiritual judgment (which seeks to truly edify, uplift, strengthen, encourage and fortify) bears the signature of God’s wisdom. No amount of human wisdom, improperly applied to a situation, can right a wrong. Compared to God’s omniscience, finite comprehension is but a minuscule fraction of understanding.
If God has been left out of the equation altogether, then maybe it’s actually an air of superiority or one of self-righteousness (I would never do that) being communicated.
We may even pretend to know, when in fact, we know nothing at all. Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7).
We are to “be blameless”, as we find recorded in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:7.
To what degree are we blameless when we erroneously judge one of God’s created?
Three Zees. Zip, Zero and Zilch.
Mark 9:50 tells us to “be at peace with one another”…
What kind of peace are we promoting? Our own brand of double standard, superficial peace? One that says I’m willing to overlook your faults… you’ve got a lot of faults, I think I’ll just overlook you altogether.
What’s wrong with this picture? “God so loved the world…” but you’ve taken it upon yourself to disrespect what God has made for His pleasure.
How often have you heard…“let’s just agree to disagree”? That is not unity.
The biggest problem with being judgmental is that it crushes ones’ spirit, destroys hope, kills relationships and steals any possibility of peace. Sounds an awful lot like the work of the Enemy. Being judgmental causes others to shut down, rather than open up.
Certainly, there is no sense of peace one obtains from “loving one another deeply”.
How can we be mirroring the love of Christ Himself to others if we are being judgmental?
1 Timothy 5:17 says to “be considered worthy of double honor”. How much of a fraction less than anything honorable might it be when we are unduly judgmental of others?
1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us to “do all to the glory of God”. Do we suppose God is glorified when we mount our proverbial Pegasus, with wings as seagulls, and all He hears is squawking and screeching at one another? Not a chance!
Ephesians 5:18 says, “Be filled with the Spirit”. Of course that means the Holy Spirit.
Let’s take a further look at what being judgmental means. What spirit do we communicate with that seeks to put another down? Could it be the “spirit of jealousy”?… the “spirit of animosity”?… or perhaps it is the “spirit of hostility”… or a “spirit of unforgiveness”… It could be any or all of these, but the one thing it can’t be is “the spirit of humility” (Isaiah 57:15) or the “Spirit of truth” (John 14:17). Proverbs 18:14 (AMP) says… “The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?”
We find in 2 Timothy 2:24 that we are to “be gentle unto all men”. Are we gentle with some and not others? Do we pretend to be gentle on one hand, but harsh on the other?
What gives us the right to judge anyone else? Isn’t that God’s job? Won’t that be done at the end of time?
How do we imitate those who are examples of a “true Christian” (1 Corinthians 4:16 & 11:1) when we are busy being judgmental? How then are we to be imitators of Christ Himself (Ephesians 5:1) if we squander our time in frivolous judgment of others?
We could also certainly ask, do we really bear the stamp and seal of the Holy Spirit, when we castigate others?
Does the Bible tell us not to bear false witness against a neighbor? Isn’t that exactly what we’re doing when we heap a mountain of blame upon someone’s shoulders? What honor is there in performing this monumental act? (1 Timothy 3:8) Have you heard that those who sling mud seldom gain any ground?
Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to one another. Kindness is a sacred duty we owe to one another. You’d pretty well have to rewrite the definition of “kind” to include “it’s really for your good that I’m telling you this”. Since when did the “milk of human kindness” go stale?
Let’s remember that “tender-hearted” not only means displaying warmth or affection, but also means being susceptible to physical or emotional injury.
How do we handle the explicit instructions in Zechariah 7:9 to “be merciful and compassionate”? Do we just ignore them altogether? Can we really afford to be so rash and uncharitable?
Colossians 3:20 reminds us to “be obedient”. Who are we being obedient to? Ourselves?
What level of patience is 1 Thessalonians 5:14 referring to when it says we are to “be patient with all men”? I’m sorry, but you’ve stepped over my threshold of tolerance!
Excuse me? Truth told… there is no excuse for ignorance. If we willingly choose to ignore God’s word, it is certainly we who are to be judged.
Replace every self-centered reaction with a Christ-centered, Christ Himself response.
When we are obedient to God’s word and actively apply His principles for living, then we show Christ Himself to others. When we treat others in God-honoring ways, then we treat people the same way we will treat Christ Himself. And that with the utmost love a human heart is able to muster.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Levels of Intimacy
The phrase "very close friends" is indicative of varying levels of intimacy.
To become “friends” suggests more than just a level of acquaintance. There has been a resolution of tension. At this level you may see eye-to-eye on fundamental issues, but there may still be masks of apprehension held in place. There is still the risk of rejection.
Non-judgmental, healthy communication is vital to understanding the other person, and this leads to cohesiveness in the relationship.
“Close friends” is indicative of growth in a personal relationship beyond friendship.
The level of trust is readily observable. Many layers of the onion have been peeled away, and they are able to see each other as genuine. Admirable qualities in the other person fuel the friendship. Many of their preferences are the same. The bonding thus far has evolved to the point of being like-minded.
“Very close friends” goes even beyond a close friendship.
A deep level of trust has been established, and deep enough to risk being fully human.
Communication at this level is often times non-verbal, where it is observed that they appear to know what the other is thinking or they are able to accurately “read” one another.
Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.”
Brotherhood of man is having at least one true friend who you implicitly trust.
This is unquestionably the best level of friendship, but it has taken work to get there.
There are no doubts or reservations. There are no masks. This level of trust is understood, even though it may not be directly expressed. The reward of this relationship is the deepest sense of belonging, which has been borne of love to one another.
Christ Himself is the love that transforms relationships from acquaintance to Brotherhood of man.
In your dealings with others, demonstrate the love of Christ. Deny yourself. Live so that others will see Christ Himself in you, and see them as Christ Himself in front of you.
To become “friends” suggests more than just a level of acquaintance. There has been a resolution of tension. At this level you may see eye-to-eye on fundamental issues, but there may still be masks of apprehension held in place. There is still the risk of rejection.
Non-judgmental, healthy communication is vital to understanding the other person, and this leads to cohesiveness in the relationship.
“Close friends” is indicative of growth in a personal relationship beyond friendship.
The level of trust is readily observable. Many layers of the onion have been peeled away, and they are able to see each other as genuine. Admirable qualities in the other person fuel the friendship. Many of their preferences are the same. The bonding thus far has evolved to the point of being like-minded.
“Very close friends” goes even beyond a close friendship.
A deep level of trust has been established, and deep enough to risk being fully human.
Communication at this level is often times non-verbal, where it is observed that they appear to know what the other is thinking or they are able to accurately “read” one another.
Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.”
Brotherhood of man is having at least one true friend who you implicitly trust.
This is unquestionably the best level of friendship, but it has taken work to get there.
There are no doubts or reservations. There are no masks. This level of trust is understood, even though it may not be directly expressed. The reward of this relationship is the deepest sense of belonging, which has been borne of love to one another.
Christ Himself is the love that transforms relationships from acquaintance to Brotherhood of man.
In your dealings with others, demonstrate the love of Christ. Deny yourself. Live so that others will see Christ Himself in you, and see them as Christ Himself in front of you.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The Spirit of Communication
Think before you speak.
Words can be poison or they can be balm. James, chapter 3 warns us about the tongue, and we are certainly able to tell what spirit comes from a person when they communicate with us.
The communication from a mean-spirited person is anything but encouraging.
One of the problems with this kind of expression is that is is less than God-honoring, and crushes the spirit of the recipient.
If I see you as Christ Himself, and if you understand that my motives toward you are
purely righteous and in your best interest, then you will soon realize that the manner in which I communicate and express myself to you will be with the utmost respect and dignity.
If our conversation is anything but God-honoring, then we are also grieving the Holy Spirit. How can we expect those who are not Christian to be attracted to the love of Christ, if His Spirit is not flowing from us to them?
If we stifle and stunt someone’s spirit, then we lead them away from an epignosis (heart) level experience of Christ and, at the same time, grieve the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls".
Now, if we are more like Christ Himself, we would also be meek and lowly in heart. And if we truly see the other person as Christ Himself, we will not only be humble, we will want to do our best to help them.
We need to incorporate the principles of fairness, integrity, honesty and respect for human dignity into our communication with others.
When we do, we will be obedient to the Scriptures found in 1 Peter 1:15 which says, "but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conversation(conduct)" as well as 2 Peter 3:11 which tells us, "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conversation(conduct) and godliness".
Words can be poison or they can be balm. James, chapter 3 warns us about the tongue, and we are certainly able to tell what spirit comes from a person when they communicate with us.
The communication from a mean-spirited person is anything but encouraging.
One of the problems with this kind of expression is that is is less than God-honoring, and crushes the spirit of the recipient.
If I see you as Christ Himself, and if you understand that my motives toward you are
purely righteous and in your best interest, then you will soon realize that the manner in which I communicate and express myself to you will be with the utmost respect and dignity.
If our conversation is anything but God-honoring, then we are also grieving the Holy Spirit. How can we expect those who are not Christian to be attracted to the love of Christ, if His Spirit is not flowing from us to them?
If we stifle and stunt someone’s spirit, then we lead them away from an epignosis (heart) level experience of Christ and, at the same time, grieve the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls".
Now, if we are more like Christ Himself, we would also be meek and lowly in heart. And if we truly see the other person as Christ Himself, we will not only be humble, we will want to do our best to help them.
We need to incorporate the principles of fairness, integrity, honesty and respect for human dignity into our communication with others.
When we do, we will be obedient to the Scriptures found in 1 Peter 1:15 which says, "but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conversation(conduct)" as well as 2 Peter 3:11 which tells us, "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conversation(conduct) and godliness".
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Dealing with others
The Bible has a lot to say about how we treat others. God knows that the human race has far to go in its treatment of each other.
Matthew 7:1 gives us a warning against human judgment, which seeks to put down and destroy.
How would you like it if… _______? You fill in the blank. No one likes to be treated in a manner that is demeaning, humiliating, or emotionally painful.
Think before you act. Before you fall into the trap of judging another person, reflect upon and remember these things.
We must keep in mind in our dealings with others, that at any given moment, there are always differences. There are high degrees of variance in life experience, in amounts of understanding, empathy and compassion.
We are all at our own stage in the process of spiritual growth. We all have our own levels of emotional maturity, awareness and patience. Some have deeper insights, wider patterns of thinking, greater integrity, purer motives and intentions. We all have intellectual pursuits, tastes and habits that are uniquely our own.
Yes, we are told, “Love your enemies”… but what about those you disagree with? How should we treat them? By applying God’s principles… that’s how.
Simply because we disagree with someone does not give us the right to lower our level of respect for them, or to have a lower opinion, or to hold them in a lesser degree of esteem. We must treat others as God treats us in Christ.
When God sees me, He sees Christ. God sees me and treats me as one who is right with Him because of the principle of justification. Justification means to be rendered just or innocent in the eyes of God.
Acts 13:39 tells us that by Christ, all who believe are justified.
Matthew 12:37 also tells us that it is by our words that we are either justified or we are condemned. If we heap condemnation on another person, we have not applied the principle of justification.
So, with this in mind, applying justification to others, even though we may disagree with them, means that we purposely choose to see them as God sees them. We, too, choose to see Christ.
We are no less faulty than the person we disagree with. Choosing this approach removes our emotions and finite, faulty reasoning from the equation. If we allow our emotions to dictate the situation, then we no longer feel the same way about them or toward them.
To further reinforce this idea, remind yourself of what the Bible says about how God sees you:
All because of Christ, God has forgiven you of all your sin (past, present and future). You have peace with God ( a peace, I might say, that the Enemy desperately wants to rob you of).
You have God’s promise of eternal love and favour toward you. God has poured out the riches of His blessings on you in Christ and He promises that He will never allow anything to snatch you out of His hand. You have been made right with God, have been reconciled to Him and have even been made His friend, all because of Christ.
Now, apply these truths to the person you disagree with.
If they are not Christian, you will extend mercy to them, and, as an ambassador of Christ, extend to them, not only the same love that God extends to you, but also an example of a true Christian.
If the person you disagree with is a Christian, repeat these Bible truths as often as necessary until they settle deep into your heart and mind.
Because it is more difficult for us to show love to those we disagree with, repeat these truths until you acknowledge and understand them well enough to be able to treat them the same way God does.
In doing so, you will be obedient to Ephesians 4:3, “diligently preserving the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us”.
Matthew 7:1 gives us a warning against human judgment, which seeks to put down and destroy.
How would you like it if… _______? You fill in the blank. No one likes to be treated in a manner that is demeaning, humiliating, or emotionally painful.
Think before you act. Before you fall into the trap of judging another person, reflect upon and remember these things.
We must keep in mind in our dealings with others, that at any given moment, there are always differences. There are high degrees of variance in life experience, in amounts of understanding, empathy and compassion.
We are all at our own stage in the process of spiritual growth. We all have our own levels of emotional maturity, awareness and patience. Some have deeper insights, wider patterns of thinking, greater integrity, purer motives and intentions. We all have intellectual pursuits, tastes and habits that are uniquely our own.
Yes, we are told, “Love your enemies”… but what about those you disagree with? How should we treat them? By applying God’s principles… that’s how.
Simply because we disagree with someone does not give us the right to lower our level of respect for them, or to have a lower opinion, or to hold them in a lesser degree of esteem. We must treat others as God treats us in Christ.
When God sees me, He sees Christ. God sees me and treats me as one who is right with Him because of the principle of justification. Justification means to be rendered just or innocent in the eyes of God.
Acts 13:39 tells us that by Christ, all who believe are justified.
Matthew 12:37 also tells us that it is by our words that we are either justified or we are condemned. If we heap condemnation on another person, we have not applied the principle of justification.
So, with this in mind, applying justification to others, even though we may disagree with them, means that we purposely choose to see them as God sees them. We, too, choose to see Christ.
We are no less faulty than the person we disagree with. Choosing this approach removes our emotions and finite, faulty reasoning from the equation. If we allow our emotions to dictate the situation, then we no longer feel the same way about them or toward them.
To further reinforce this idea, remind yourself of what the Bible says about how God sees you:
All because of Christ, God has forgiven you of all your sin (past, present and future). You have peace with God ( a peace, I might say, that the Enemy desperately wants to rob you of).
You have God’s promise of eternal love and favour toward you. God has poured out the riches of His blessings on you in Christ and He promises that He will never allow anything to snatch you out of His hand. You have been made right with God, have been reconciled to Him and have even been made His friend, all because of Christ.
Now, apply these truths to the person you disagree with.
If they are not Christian, you will extend mercy to them, and, as an ambassador of Christ, extend to them, not only the same love that God extends to you, but also an example of a true Christian.
If the person you disagree with is a Christian, repeat these Bible truths as often as necessary until they settle deep into your heart and mind.
Because it is more difficult for us to show love to those we disagree with, repeat these truths until you acknowledge and understand them well enough to be able to treat them the same way God does.
In doing so, you will be obedient to Ephesians 4:3, “diligently preserving the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us”.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Making the Connection
Matthew 7:12 tells us to "treat others the way you expect to be treated".
This is the "Golden Rule" and one less remembered than it ought to be.
Let's connect the dots with Galatians, chapter 4 where Paul is concerned for
the Galatians. A little background on the Galatians may be useful to get the point.
Julius Caesar said of the Galatians, "they are a fickle group, and not to be
trusted". It was there custom to mix superstition, child sacrifice and idol
worship with a smattering of newly found Christianity. It was also customary
to spit on those who were afflicted with a deformity or an obvious illness, as
they superstitiously believed that the sufferer must be possessed of an evil spirit.
When we examine verses 14 and 15, Paul does not receive the customary
treatment. Even though his "temptation" was in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7)
he was not humiliated, despised, ostracized or rejected.
Instead he was treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Think back to the Damascus road experience which left him blind for three
days, and arriving at our current text, understand that his eyesight is nearly
gone at this point. If it were possible, they would have plucked their own eyes
out so that he could see properly.
Now let's focus on verse 14. He was treated as an angel of God, even as Christ
Himself. The point here goes further than Christ being higher than angels or
the respect that was given to Paul as a minister.
All of Christianity, in a nutshell, is wrapped up in our treatment of others,
and if we connect the dots, we will come to understand that we are to treat
every person we encounter as though they are "Christ Himself".
This is a remarkably powerful insight!
In no way am I suggesting that we worship any human being.
What I am saying is that every other command we are given, to "love one
another deeply", to "forbear one another in love", to "bear one another's
burdens", to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"...
all of these fall into place when we begin to treat others as "Christ Himself".
Certainly the modern societal problems of prejudice, lying, cheating, pride, arrogance, manipulation, judgment, hypocrisy, vindictiveness, retaliation,
stealing, hatred, bigotry, jealousy, duplicity, and foul-mouthed belligerence
would not be appropriate choices.
And yet these are but a few examples of how human beings treat each other.
Paul was received as an angel of God, even as "Christ Himself".
The obvious lesson here is that we need to treat others, each individual we
encounter, as "Christ Himself". This is true Christian love in action.
This is a practical application of living the Golden Rule.
But this can only be practical if we treasure Christ as the One we value most.
As ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), we glorify Christ and His
principles when we treat others as "Christ Himself".
This is the "Golden Rule" and one less remembered than it ought to be.
Let's connect the dots with Galatians, chapter 4 where Paul is concerned for
the Galatians. A little background on the Galatians may be useful to get the point.
Julius Caesar said of the Galatians, "they are a fickle group, and not to be
trusted". It was there custom to mix superstition, child sacrifice and idol
worship with a smattering of newly found Christianity. It was also customary
to spit on those who were afflicted with a deformity or an obvious illness, as
they superstitiously believed that the sufferer must be possessed of an evil spirit.
When we examine verses 14 and 15, Paul does not receive the customary
treatment. Even though his "temptation" was in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7)
he was not humiliated, despised, ostracized or rejected.
Instead he was treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Think back to the Damascus road experience which left him blind for three
days, and arriving at our current text, understand that his eyesight is nearly
gone at this point. If it were possible, they would have plucked their own eyes
out so that he could see properly.
Now let's focus on verse 14. He was treated as an angel of God, even as Christ
Himself. The point here goes further than Christ being higher than angels or
the respect that was given to Paul as a minister.
All of Christianity, in a nutshell, is wrapped up in our treatment of others,
and if we connect the dots, we will come to understand that we are to treat
every person we encounter as though they are "Christ Himself".
This is a remarkably powerful insight!
In no way am I suggesting that we worship any human being.
What I am saying is that every other command we are given, to "love one
another deeply", to "forbear one another in love", to "bear one another's
burdens", to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"...
all of these fall into place when we begin to treat others as "Christ Himself".
Certainly the modern societal problems of prejudice, lying, cheating, pride, arrogance, manipulation, judgment, hypocrisy, vindictiveness, retaliation,
stealing, hatred, bigotry, jealousy, duplicity, and foul-mouthed belligerence
would not be appropriate choices.
And yet these are but a few examples of how human beings treat each other.
Paul was received as an angel of God, even as "Christ Himself".
The obvious lesson here is that we need to treat others, each individual we
encounter, as "Christ Himself". This is true Christian love in action.
This is a practical application of living the Golden Rule.
But this can only be practical if we treasure Christ as the One we value most.
As ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), we glorify Christ and His
principles when we treat others as "Christ Himself".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
