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judge not



Matthew 7:1 (NLT)
Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.

Opening my email inbox often leads to some interesting thoughts and conversations.  Today was one of those, and I’d like to share a bit of the conversation with you.  This friend of mine was sharing with me about the struggle of watching Christians judge others and act self-righteous. 

Please understand that I am not seeking to condemn or condone such action.  What I would like to do is ask us to make sure that people know that God loves people, forgives sin and still changes lives as he has done since the beginning.

Here is some of what I shared:

God is good, working and inspiring us as you see happening around you.  It is comforting to know that God doesn’t give up on His kids, you and me.

As to the judgmental stuff you talked about, this is a tough issue in many ways and especially in the church.  For 100's of years the church and Christians have been known for what they (we) are AGAINST rather than what they (we) are FOR.  That is where I believe God called our church and others.  I desire to spread the acceptance of God to people and allow the Holy Spirit to do the convicting as we share what the Bible says. 

YET, and hard to see, is that the judging will never stop.  Since as far back as history shows there have been people who threw mud on others by judging and in the name of Christ.  Wrong?  Yes.  Hurtful?  Yes.  Will it stop?  Never.

Satan uses such to rob us of our faith and our confidence in God.  I cannot and you must not allow these things to stop you from being who God made you to be.  I may not agree with all you do or say, but you are God's child with many talents and gifts that help people including those you work with.  So, keep on.  I did NOT say avoid those people who are judging, but I will encourage you to do what the Bible says, "speak the truth in love".  Speaking or spreading hatred is not what we know as right.  God's plan is for our good.  

We will still be pushed.  We will still make wrong choices and see consequences to the places where God guides and we don’t go.  But His grace is sufficient for me and for you.  That is why we have to keep our eyes on Jesus and our confidence in Him.  

Here is a big truth we often miss ... Satan can't take us because we belong to God, but he will do everything in his power to distract us.  Agree?  If he can get our attention off of God, we will miss some of the greatest times and blessings God has for us.

Stop being distracted.  Start walking toward God where you are.  Don't regret the past.  Begin living your faith and your bright future.  Remember that God's plan for you is wide open.

Genesis 50:20 (NASB)
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

Isaiah 5:20 (NASB)
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

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