#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.“ — Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV)
Hey there, have you ever felt like the messages you hear about Christianity boil down to just “God is love” and “Don’t judge”? It’s like the gospel according to Oprah, where everyone gets a car, and no one ever disagrees. But that’s not the full story, is it? Let’s dive into what the Bible really says about these topics.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
Sometimes, we’re tempted to simplify Christianity into a couple of nice, digestible phrases that fit on a bumper sticker. But God’s love isn’t just about warm fuzzies. As J. Warner Wallace, a former cold-case detective turned Christian apologist, explains, “Love without truth is not love at all. It’s enabling.”
Wallace’s insight reminds us that while God’s love is profound and unconditional, it’s also rooted in truth. The Bible is clear that we are called to discern, not in a condemning way, but with wisdom and love.
Dr. Timothy Keller, in his book The Reason for God, adds another layer to this, saying, “To withhold judgment is not love at all; it’s indifference.” This echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7, where He warns against hypocritical judgment but encourages us to discern rightly.
Both apologists highlight that God’s love and the call not to judge in a condemning manner are not mutually exclusive. They are two sides of the same coin. When Jesus says, “Do not judge,” He’s not advocating for a world without moral discernment or accountability. Instead, He’s calling us to judge ourselves first, to remove the plank from our own eye before addressing the speck in another’s (Matthew 7:3-5).
Encouragement & Application:
If you’ve ever felt confused or conflicted about judging others or understanding God’s love, take heart. Your doubts and questions are not a sign of weak faith but an invitation to delve deeper into the richness of biblical truth. Here are some practical steps:
- Pray for Discernment: Ask God for the wisdom to see others as He does, with both love and truth.
- Study Scripture: Dive into the Bible to understand the context of Jesus’ teachings on judgment and love.
- Seek Community: Find a mentor or join a group where you can discuss these topics openly and learn together.
Reflection Questions:
- How does understanding God’s love as both truthful and unconditional change your view of Christianity?
- What does it mean for you to judge rightly, according to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7?
- How can you apply the balance of love and truth in your interactions with others?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love that is both deep and true. Help us to see others through Your eyes, with a heart that loves and a mind that seeks truth. Guide us in our judgments, that we might reflect Your righteousness and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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