To Judge or Not to Judge, That is the Question

Daniel 9:4B-10

"Lord, great and awesome God,
you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you
and observe your commandments!
We have sinned, been wicked and done evil;
we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.
We have not obeyed your servants the prophets,
who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes,
our fathers, and all the people of the land.
Justice, O Lord, is on your side;
we are shamefaced even to this day:
we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem,
and all Israel, near and far,
in all the countries to which you have scattered them
because of their treachery toward you.
O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers,
for having sinned against you.
But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness!
Yet we rebelled against you
and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God,
to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets."

Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

"Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you."

I read these verses today and I realize and remember I am a sinful man and have done sinful things, yet God still loves me and waits for me to return home. I read these lines and realize that I have judged when it is not my business to. My duty is to love with all my heart, not just when it is easy and when people are looking but all the time, especially when it is hard. I hope that all that I have wronged in my past will forgive me and I forgive all who have wronged me now and in the future. I pray that when memories arise that remind me of how I have been wronged in the past that I will snuff out any embers of anger and hate with the living water of love. Love that I receive from God. I want to love because this world so badly needs it, I badly need it. I would rather feel the warmth of love than the bitter cold of anger, hate and resentment, but I realize that I am not perfect. I pray that God will show to me quickly when I am wrong though circumstances and others that cross my path. Life is too short.

Jesus, help me to be blind today. Help me to be blind to all that will corrupt my heart. Help me to see people for your children. Help me to love like you do. Help me to remember your words this day and use them as my path. Help me to remember that judging is your job, loving is my job. I love you and am thankful for all that you have done for me.

In Jesus Christ's name I pray,

Amen