don't judge, just love.

We live in a time of great divisiveness. Wherever you look you see party against party, race against race, men against women, Christians against non-Christians, etc. Sadly, it seems never ending. It's in times like these we have to focus on what Jesus called us "to" do and what "not" to do each day. We live in a sinful world. We are ALL sinners. God sent the Holy Spirit to us to convict us of our sins (John 16:8). When we realize we are guilty of sin, and deserving of judgement, the Holy Spirit will point us to Christ who is the one and only refuge from sin and judgement. Our heart will be regenerated and our sins will be forgiven. We will no longer stand in front of God alone on judgement day, but will have Jesus Himself interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34). That's the power of the Holy Spirit. To convince us of our sinful nature and then lead us to Jesus so that we may be saved. Only God can judge us. James 4:12 states, "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you, who are you to judge your neighbor?". So when you accept Jesus into your heart, and receive God's grace for your past sins, you must remember to then not judge others. Who are we to judge as it was ONLY by God's grace that we are now spared judgement. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 37). And when you're tempted to judge a neighbor's lifestyle or their choices, "Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" (John 8:7).

​As Christians we are commanded not to judge our neighbor. Don't fall into the worldly trap of doing just that. So, what do we do? Simple. Jesus commanded us to love. Just love. "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12). And, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31). How can "we" lead someone to Christ by convicting them of their sins (that's the Holy Spirit's job)? How can "we" lead someone to Christ by judging them for their sins (that's God's job)? But, "we" can lead someone to Christ by loving them. Even if they don't love us back, that's ok, as we have all the love we will EVER need from our Heavenly Father. Love them all just as God loves you.