June 25
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, 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." -Jesus in Luke 6:37-38 (NRSV)
We all make judgments about situations and people so we must wonder what Jesus meant by "do not judge"? The key lies in understanding the difference between "judgmental acts and attitudes" and making wise judgments about people and situations. Jesus rebuked negative judgmental actions causing us to humiliate or punish others and act as judge and jury. Jesus made judgments about people but never in judgmental ways causing him to stop offering God's grace and forgiveness. He warns that the judgmental attitudes and standards we apply to others, God will apply to us.
Jesus also reminds us to give. If we give out of generous and loving spirits, he promises “good measure” will come back to us. The image of "pressed down, shaken together, running over" is from measuring grain in marketplaces. Grain was put into a basket, shook to level it, and then more was poured in. Jesus used this illustration to ensure we offer generous amounts of forgiveness to others. A forgiving spirit shows we have truly accepted God's forgiveness. Yet if we are chronically critical rather than compassionate, we will also receive judgmental criticism. If we treat others generously, and compassionately, the same forgiveness will come back to us in full measure. If we are generous, Jesus promises our generosity will return to us abundantly. Giving with "good measure" returns to us as a sense of joy and peace when we show love to others. Whenever we share and give generously expecting nothing in return, God will take our gifts and uses them in amazing ways to offer others a more abundant life. "Good measures" then return to us in incredible ways when we realize giving from our heart has multiple benefits. Ultimately, if we let go of negativity, love others, and don't judge them, then our own welfare is protected. Blessings always await if you take Jesus' advice. Then your life will be filled with both peace and abundance!
Prayer: Lord God, Help me to make wise and sound judgments without being negative or judgmental. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: "Good Measures" bring treasures!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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