It is amazing how our views and opinions can change once a face has been put on an issue. Some issues become more complicated when we personally know people who have to deal with them. We are more likely to be compassionate, even merciful. It is important not to judge others for this reason. While often judges and lawyers need to step down from cases that where they know the defendant out of concern of a biased decision, perhaps such a connection or understanding would actually help curb our society's overriding desire for punishment and vengeance (not that I think impartial judges are a bad thing).
My point is that God knows us, each of us, and with a degree of intimacy that no other human can achieve. When He was here on Earth, He told us to be kind and merciful, to not cast the first stone, and to forgive others their trespasses. He has seen the human face of those issues for which we are so willing to condemn others. This doesn't mean that we can just do whatever we want without consequences. Sin has its consequences in both this life and the next. But they are consequences that we pull upon ourselves and that He will help us through.
Lord, help me to not judge others. Give me the strength to guide without condemnation in my words or actions. Bless me with the gifts of mercy and compassion.
My point is that God knows us, each of us, and with a degree of intimacy that no other human can achieve. When He was here on Earth, He told us to be kind and merciful, to not cast the first stone, and to forgive others their trespasses. He has seen the human face of those issues for which we are so willing to condemn others. This doesn't mean that we can just do whatever we want without consequences. Sin has its consequences in both this life and the next. But they are consequences that we pull upon ourselves and that He will help us through.
Lord, help me to not judge others. Give me the strength to guide without condemnation in my words or actions. Bless me with the gifts of mercy and compassion.
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