Who Do YOU Condemn?
I watched a clip from “The View” program where the co-hosts went down a rabbit trail of condemning Princess Kate with false conspiracy theories. A reporter said: “Shame on you!” Now, the co-hosts are expressing regret after acknowledging that they had misconstrued Princess Kate’s absence, only to find out that she was diagnosed with cancer.
Condemning others! Not a quality of Jesus who said to the woman caught in the act of adultery when the men accusing her probably had their own sins, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
On Election Day, I met a “woman” who had been condemned for the life and lifestyle she now holds to. We sat side-by-side at the e-polls where we verified the voters’ were eligible to vote. This “woman” and I connected on the levels of humanity. We had THAT in common.
I was legit in my questions. I wanted to know why, what, how “she made the transition from man to woman. She shared her story and the reasons why. Not a fleeting thought came to my mind to condemn her. She admitted her faith in God. I spoke my love for God AND her. We weren’t “pals”, but we were friends that could be authentic and real with each other.
I don’t tell you about my friend for repercussions or for kudos, but I will tell you my why. Jesus is the ONE we walk with, talk with, and even travelled the road to the cross and resurrection with last week. THE ONE Who said: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.” (Luke 6:37)
Jesus tells us to be humble. If we are humble, we will not judge others or condemn them. Jesus talked the talk from the cross He died on — on Good Friday.
Before then, He told us to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15). If we forgive others, we won’t judge them or condemn them. Jesus used strong language when He said, “If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven.”
Most importantly, Jesus tells us to love others. If we love others, we will not judge them or condemn them. We all have “issues” that could be condemned – the liar, the angry one, the cheater, the adulterer, the fault-finder, the gossiper, and, oh, so much more.
I know what I am saying could be debated, but a few days ago was Holy Thursday when Jesus was a server to His disciples, washing their feet. That is who I desire to be – a server to those around me. He served. I serve. I pray for those who sincerely need Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Romans 8:1 is one of the most liberating verses in the Bible. It declares: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This promise is for you and me! Jesus took our punishment and removed all guilt from our records. And His blood is more powerful than any lie Satan can throw at us.
We are now qualified. Our past is irrelevant. We don’t have to work to win God’s love. When the Father looks at us, He doesn’t see our past sins or present struggles. He sees robes of righteousness on His children. It’s time to renounce the enemy’s lies and believe God’s promises. He loves us with an indescribable, unfathomable, unconditional love.
Remember….Jesus didn’t condemn. He loved. Shouldn’t we follow His example?