Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, I want to take a moment to address something close to my heart a troubling trend that seems to creep into our fellowship as believers. It’s the all-too-common practice of judgment among ourselves, and it breaks my heart. We are all human beings, each one of us flawed and struggling in our own ways. As Christians, we are called to embody kindness and compassion, yet sometimes, we find ourselves acting contrary to that divine calling.
You see, when we judge others, we fail to recognize the battles they might be facing—battles we know nothing about. Perhaps they are Taking care of someone who is ill or stressed beyond their means maybe they have a disability themselves or grappling with personal demons, striving to go to work every day and just stay above board so they don’t stink , Maybe they relocated and are in a new area and learning the way and just need a friendly person to talk to them instead of someone who is condescending and cruel or maybe they are simply trying to navigate the complexities of their lives. The
Word of God reminds us in Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV), “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.” When we place ourselves on that high horse of superiority, we forget that we are merely sinners saved by grace.
So, my dear friends, I urge you let us not become petty, gossiping or troublemaking souls who seek to elevate ourselves by pushing others down. This is not what being a Christian is about; it grieves the Spirit and brings disrepute to the name of Jesus. Just as we have received abundant grace, we must extend it to those around us.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) instructs us: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
It’s vital to remember that everyone we encounter is deserving of our compassion. Whether in our workplaces, schools, or communities, we must strive to be a source of encouragement rather than discord.
If you find yourself in a challenging relationship with someone, whether due to past troubles or disagreements, rise above and work for the Lord.
Do not engage in gossip or speak ill of others, for everyone has their struggles hidden beneath the surface. As it states in Luke 6:31 (NIV), “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Let this be a guiding principle in our interactions.
In the end, I want to remind you all of the eternal principle of karma. What we put out into this world—both good and bad—will come back to us. “What goes around, comes around,” they say, and it holds true. The Bible teaches us the principle of reaping what we sow. In Galatians 6:7 (NIV), we read, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
So I plead with you: let’s live like Jesus did—without judgment, with open arms, and a heart full of love for all. We are made in His image, and our actions should reflect that divine likeness. Let’s strive to be decent, godly people, embracing our calling to uplift and support one another within our diverse family of believers.
May God bless you all with hearts full of grace and minds set on loving others.
Joyful-Echoes 