SCRIPTURE:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1-2
OBSERVATION:
Contextually, Jesus teaches about inner righteousness. More than religious behavior, a heart that becomes the lens and filter of they viewed one another.
APPLICATION:
I realize that there’s such a propensity to often view people by the narrative(s) that we hear about them, or what we see of them that causes us to connect their words and actions with preconceived beliefs or experiences that cause us to make judgment upon them. As I think of the daily news reports and AI stories, I realize how narratives are framing situations and people more than ever before; often contradicting the truth of the matter. I am prompted to take pause, apply the lens of Jesus love not to pre-judge, but to filter carefully the many narratives that are often politically, racially, and evilly motivated, and to inquire first-hand the truth. Consequently, that my relationship and interaction would be authentically extending Jesus’ love in ministering and even bringing change if need be.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for these scriptures that remind me of the natural propensity to judge people by what we hear and see. May my outlook take place through your lens of love to filter out what would get in the way of your command to love thy neighbor. May my perception and relationship(s) be founded on your lens of love.
