I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
The Measure of Grace
At first glance, it’s easy to misinterpret Matthew 7:1 as a pass to disregard accountability for sinful actions, a license to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. But when we take a closer look, Jesus' words in this parable aren't an endorsement of moral indifference.
The Greek word "κρίνετε" (krinete), translated as "judge," means “to form a condemning opinion about someone without knowledge.”
Jesus isn't advocating against fair and righteous judgment (John 7:24). We know this because, in this same chapter of Matthew 7, Jesus tells His followers to judge (Matthew 7:16).
So, are we to judge, or are we not to judge?
Jesus cautions against judging others unfairly, we should instead lean on the Holy Spirit to practice good judgment.
This verse isn't a call for us to abandon discernment, though; rather, it's an invitation to wield it with compassion and understanding. It should compel Christ’s followers, even today, to reflect on the measure we use:
Are we quick to condemn or eager to discern with grace? Are our judgments tempered with empathy?
Think for a moment: Where have you been quick to condemn others without full understanding or accurate knowledge? How can you lead with compassion instead of a judgmental attitude?
Encouragement That Builds
Have you ever regretted not taking the time to speak life or truth over someone? Maybe they were going through a hard time and you weren't sure what to say, but you felt like you could have—and should have—said something.
When Paul, the author of 1 Thessalonians, is writing to the church in Thessalonika, he gives them some practical advice...
Paul tells the church to continue to encourage one another and keep building each other up. This was something they were already doing, but Paul felt it necessary to remind them to keep doing this.
Encouragement can change someone’s attitude. It can lift someone out of a dark place. It can remind them of what's true when the truth feels foggy. Speaking life and truth over someone can give them the hope and determination they need to push through a hard season.
Maybe you can remember a time when someone encouraged you during a challenging season of life, and the difference it made for you. Paul is encouraging us to do that ...
