It is so easy to be critical, especially of people who don’t see the world the way we do. But our instructions are clear; we’re not to judge, especially not people whose beliefs are different from ours. Leave justice to God and focus instead on our role, which is to love and be kind.
Paul gave some perfectly clear advice:
“Welcome with open arms…those who don’t see things the way you do…eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgement, facing God.”
Romans 14:1, 10 The Message
All of us – whatever beliefs we hold here on earth – will one day end up on our knees before the Almighty. Tolerance is always at the heart of love, and maybe our ways are not the only ways. There are so many divisive, difficult issues in the world of faith, and who really knows the answers to all of them?
What we can know and trust is that love is the way. It is patient, kind, respectful, and tolerant. We can know that love puts relationships and unity before always having to be “right”. So don’t judge or criticize. As Jesus said,
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults, unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It is easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.”
Matthew 7:1 – 3 The Message
Remember, love transcends all beliefs and always sees the best.
Blessings to all,
Pastor John