Tell the Truth

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:37-38 The first line of this passage may be one of the most mis-quoted verses in the Bible. And it is usually misquoted by people who are attempting to deflect attention from their sinful lifestyle. "Do not judge, lest ye be judged," is one of the first thing to come out of their mouth. A judgment is a statement; a verdict given by someone in authority over the other. "If you do this, this is well happen to you." And that is not our job as Christians. We have not been given the authority to tell people what will happen to them if they continue down a particular path in life. We do not know what God may have in store for them. All we must do is humble ourselves and pray. 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. We are to love others, and not judge them. We can, however, speak the truth in love and present God's truth as it is presented to us in the Bible. God Bless you, J.H.