judge not

Good evening/morning all,
I'm sending today's reading early since I don't have internet access yet at the new house. We continue Jesus' sermon on the plain in our reading with what most of us learned as the golden rule. We all know the idea: treat others as we'd want to be treated, but living that way is harder than knowing what we should do. All together, this little passage gives enough material for a lifetime of effort.

I especially like the reminder of humility we see in the second paragraph. It's easy to criticize others and "help" them see their faults, but our own faults are abundant as well and they often keep us from assessing others accurately. At the same time, the fact that we're not perfect doesn't mean we should simply work on ourselves before engaging in ministry. We won't be perfect until Christ returns, but that shouldn't keep us from working for a better world and ministering to others.

God bless,
Sam

Luke 6:37-42

37“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” 39He also told them a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? 40A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher.

41Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? 42Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.