My Verdict on Judgment

He drew in the sand.  With thousands of other followers, I too, wish I knew what Jesus wrote and what he was thinking.  Before I accuse someone before the Lord or try to cast a stone OR allow what God does to someone else to affect my faith, I must bend down and write on the ground.  In other words, I must take a moment and reflect when I am tempted to judge. 

First, I need to remember that we are not called to judge those who have not made a commitment to Christ.  Why would I look down on someone who does this or that, when that person never made a commitment not to do those things?  The Word even states that "non Christians" have already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son.  (John 3:18)

Secondly, when I see other believers sin, I should think to myself, "Erin, if all the circumstances and events in your life were the same as theirs, you may have done the SAME THING!"  If my dad would have walked out on me, if my boyfriend would have abused me, if I went to that high school, then yes, I quite possibly would have made those same decisions. 

I am not called to judge the motives of people. 

Sin is sin.  We do not have to go looking for it.  Anyone who reads the Bible can also plainly see what is considered sin. 

So yes, when I see my brother or sister sin, I know it is sin.  But I will not judge his or her motive for doing it.  I will humbly and lovingly remember that I still sin and am forgiven.  I will also remember that Jesus loves that person as much as He loves me! 

DC pics from 2009.

Much, much more can be said about this topic, but I choose to leave it at that today!  Lord, help me to love like you do.  You know, agape style!