Good morning: Have you ever tried to warn someone of their sinful words, actions, or attitude only to have them tell you, “Don’t judge me! Jesus says, ‘Don’t judge or you will be judged.’”? Jesus did say that, but what did He mean? He was not saying that right and wrong are subjective and depend upon one’s personal opinion. God’s will for humankind is clearly stated in the Ten Commandments. The Lord was not saying that one should never point out someone’s sin. To keep quiet and not warn about sin and its wages of eternal death would be unloving. “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). Jesus does not forbid judging but rather being judgmental, that is assuming the motives of the heart and self-righteously looking down on others, as though we were better. Jesus makes that clear when He says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matt. 7:3). Genuine love for our neighbor will prompt us to warn about sin; but to do so humbly, recognizing that we are just as guilty before God. We want to warn about sin so that we can also tell about the love of God which moved Him to send Jesus to take away the sin of all people. “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20). The apostle Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (1 Tim. 1:15-16). Follow Paul’s example. Warn about sin, and then assure the person that Jesus’ blood has washed it all away. He was judged guilty in place of sinners. The fact that you are forgiven is evidence that their guilt too has been atoned for, and that they can rejoice in Jesus as their Savior. May the Holy Spirit grant us the grace to “judge” from a heart of love without being “judgmental.” Yours in Christ, Pastor Services tomorrow are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. The children are singing in first service. Sunday school begins at 9:00 a.m. Adult Bible class starts at 9:15 a.m. The Bible class will continue the discussion of Bible translations. Something to think about in preparation: What is your favorite Bible translation and why is it your favorite? The activity committee for April-June is asked to meet in the kitchen at 9:15 a.m. to plan for the Easter brunch.
