Agatha Nolen

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Judge Not

On this Monday of Holy Week, I am contemplating judgment. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus instructs, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” 

In John 8:1-11 we learn of a woman about to be stoned because she was caught in the act of adultery. The scribes and Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus so that they would have a charge to bring against him. If he showed compassion and forgiveness, he would disobey the law of Moses. 

Instead Jesus said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” As they all left, one by one, Jesus didn’t condemn the woman. Instead, He exhorted her to “sin no more.”

How unlike Jesus I am! I unconsciously and consciously tear others down so that I can feel better about myself. “I wouldn’t ever do that,” or, “I’m shocked at your behavior” I whisper to myself. I try to use my self-superiority to hide my own faults and insecurities.

But this Holy Week, I’m going to concentrate on being more like Jesus; instead of judging others, I want to act out of love.

Words from the song GIVE ME YOUR EYES by Brandon Heath ring in my ears:

Give me your eyes for just one second

Give me your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me your love for humanity

 

Give me your arms for the broken hearted

The ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

Please, give me your eyes.

Blessings,

Agatha

 

Judge Not-(click here for MP3 file)