We often hear the admonition, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.”
In a world that values personal freedom, personal choice and the rights of the individual above all else, these words affirm a self-serving attitude. But the passage in Matthew does not end there.
Jesus goes on to say that we shall be judged by the same measure with which we judge, implying that we should judge others as we ourselves would wished to be judged, presumably with compassion, mercy and love.
Constant criticism leads to discouragement, and even a sense of defeat. How easy it is to act self-righteously and slip into the trap of idle gossip, pointing out the short-comings of others or tearing down rather than building up one another.
The next time, before we speak about someone or something, THINK. Is it True, is it Helpful, is it Inspiring, is it Necessary, is it Kind?
This year, let us resolve to live by the wisdom of the Word, rather than the wisdom of the world.
The Reverend Deacon Sister Mary Catharine Robertson St. Paul’s (Glanford) Mount Hope.
Matthew 7:1-5 – Judging others
We often hear the admonition, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.”
In a world that values personal freedom, personal choice and the rights of the individual above all else, these words affirm a self-serving attitude. But the passage in Matthew does not end there.
Jesus goes on to say that we shall be judged by the same measure with which we judge, implying that we should judge others as we ourselves would wished to be judged, presumably with compassion, mercy and love.
Constant criticism leads to discouragement, and even a sense of defeat. How easy it is to act self-righteously and slip into the trap of idle gossip, pointing out the short-comings of others or tearing down rather than building up one another.
The next time, before we speak about someone or something, THINK. Is it True, is it Helpful, is it Inspiring, is it Necessary, is it Kind?
This year, let us resolve to live by the wisdom of the Word, rather than the wisdom of the world.
The Reverend Deacon Sister Mary Catharine Robertson St. Paul’s (Glanford) Mount Hope.
The official communications channel of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara.
Keep on reading
Provincial Synod through Youthful Eyes
MAP to be Refreshed at Upcoming Synod
Keeping Young People in the Faith: A Surprising Discovery
Requiem Mass Reveals Hidden Treasures
Communion Forest Inventory Results: More Pruning, Less Planting
Hiding in Plain Sight