The Right Response

Luke 6:37 KJV

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

It seems to me that today's extract is an apt warning for today's Christians. We have elevated our egos and status to the level of Christ, thinking that we have sufficiently known him to the point where we can legislate on how other people should live their lives. We have come to a point where we think that with what we know, we can change the course of history and dictate terms and conditions to other believers. We are quick to tell the world what to and what not to eat, wear or drink. We want to dictate the life of other people, pointing out their faults and mistakes, under the false assumption that we ourselves are Any better. We point the finger at other people's faults because they are evident, forgetting that as human beings, we cannot but offend each other, and it is as we see beyond the faults and see the person as the focus of God's love and attention, it helps to put everything in proper perspective.

These are clear warnings to all of us not to be too quick to judge, condemn or hold grudges. For every reaction of ours, there's an equal and opposite reaction. If you judge a man without having complete knowledge of all facts and figures, someone else will do the same to you. If you are quick to condemn others, then be ready to hear the same words from someone else about you.

What Christ calls us to is a life totally given to peace, holiness, righteousness and love for others. It isn't always convenient because offences must come; we are human beings and we must offend one another once in a while. What is important is to remember that your brother, who has offended you, was created the same way as you and is the target of God's great love, just like you. If you want to pray and be answered, then your heart must accomodate other people's faults and mistakes. Afterall, you aren't perfect either; you are a product of the same grace of God.

Forgiveness is essential because God has laid an example for us. He did his bit when we weren't interested in him but He did it anyway. How much more, then, should we live like him, forgiving others and letting go, so that God can answer us when we call on him? Remember, even in the Lord's prayer, forgiving other people is a necessary pre-condition for your own prayers to be answered. His time of favour is here.