Surprising (and somewhat troubling) words in the New Testament (part 1)
When you take time to read the gospels, you will find some rather shocking things that Jesus had to say. He challenges us to live by an altogether different standard. It’s not at all surprising that many who claim to follow Jesus Christ tend to gloss over or even ignore what Jesus actually said.
For example, here is what Jesus has to say about judging others:
“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. 2 For the judgment you give will be the judgment you get, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 3 Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? 5 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.” (Matthew 7:1-5, New Revised Standard Version, Updated)
Here is what Jesus said about getting along with those who we disagree with or find disagreeable:
“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28)
If we took these words to heart and put them into practice each day, our interactions with others would stand out as very different from everyone else. We would be slower to find fault with others, slower pick on people, to jump on their failures, or criticize their faults. We would be more likely to recognize our own faults and give others more consideration.
That is a challenge for all of us. But maybe, with God’s help, we can try it and strive to make this our way in the world. Then people will know we are Christians by our love.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve