LESSON 35
We often first have to deal with the stumbling blocks within
ourselves before we can overcome the stumbling blocks in our relationships.
Our judgments of another form opinions, which in turn form
resistances that become like walls between ourselves and those we do not “approve”
of.
Matthew 7:1-5 says it
all:
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but
considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out
of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and
then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.”
Judgmentalism is an
attitude that becomes a stronghold by which the whole world is viewed and
judged and quickly taken to task. It is
rooted in perfectionism, which stems from rejection and is married to pride.
When we find this attitude
in our hearts, we need to humble ourselves, repent and God to help us get rid
of the beam in our eyes. Yes, it has to
do with the way in which we see things, people and their actions.
We can judge the fruit, but
never the person! Sin remains sin and
will receive judgment from the Lord. However, because we are all prone to stumbling,
we should exercise the same grace and mercy on another as we expect to be treated with
when we err.
Often, when someone has
grown up with a measuring stick of “perfection” (from parents), he in turn will
exact a perfect behavior and standard from everyone else, being a very hard
task master, with no mercy.
When, on the contrary, we
take every situation to the Lord in prayer, asking God to show us the root of someone
else’s rude, controlling or offensive behavior, He will give us divine
perception.
From His point of view,
understanding the root of the problem, we can easily forgive, praying for that
person from a place of mercy and compassion to receive enlightened eyes of his
understanding by God’s grace to repent and be restored to a place of righteous
living.
In the meantime we can
bless those who persecute us and revile us, knowing that they do not know what
they do. When we have interactions with such people, let us pray for grace to
see with the eyes of Jesus to not be offended by them, bless them and move on,
without reliving the negative in our memories, or talking about it.
Luke 6 give us a whole list of how we should treat our enemies:
- Love your enemies (v 27,35) ,35)
- Bless them that curse you (v 28)
- pray for them which despitefully use you (v 28)
- Let them take what they demand of you (v 29)
- Give (v 30, 38) and lend (v 35)
- Judge not, condemn not, but forgive (v 37)
Prayer: Father of glory, open the eyes of our
understanding that we can see ourselves in the light of truth to repent of anything
in our thoughts, words and actions that does not bring glory to you. You are a
holy God and you want us to be true reflections of Your glory. Change us, form us and mold us into Your
image, Lord. And, Father, help us to take the path of lowliness to bring and
end to hatred, judgments, accusation and division. Give us Your perception of every unrighteous act
and give and wisdom and grace to love others as we love ourselves. In Jesus’
name we pray. Amen.
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