WALKING WITH THE FRIEND OF SINNERS Day 33

Read Luke 6:37-42

DON’T CONDEMN OTHERS
A forgiving spirit demonstrates that a person has received God’s forgiveness. Jesus uses the picture of measuring grain in a basket to ensure the full amount. If we are critical rather than compassionate, we will also receive criticism. If we treat others generously, graciously, and compassionately, however, these qualities will come back to us in full measure. You are to love others, not judge them.
Make sure you’re following the right teachers and leaders, because you will go no farther than they do. Look for leaders who will show you more about faith and whose guidance you can trust.
We shouldn’t ignore wrong doing, but we should not be so worried about other’s sins that we over look our own. We often rationalize our sins by pointing out the same mistakes in others. What kind of specks in other’s eyes are the easiest for you to criticize? Remember your own logs when you feel like criticizing, and you may find you have less to say.
We should not be so afraid of the label hypocrite, that we stand still in our Christian life, hiding our faith and making no attempts to grow. A person who tries to do right but often fails is not a hypocrite. Neither are those are those who fulfill their duty even when they don’t feel like doing it. It is often good and necessary to set aside our desires in order to do what needs doing. It is not hypocrisy to be weak in faith. A hypocrite is one who puts on
religious behavior in order to gain attention, approval, or admiration from others.