PRAYER PAUSE
Monday 20 June
2016
DO NOT JUDGE
Pause. Enter into the stillness of God
within.
Reading: “Do not judge … Why do you observe
the splinter in your brother’s eye?” (Matt 7:1-5)
Reflection. This – “do not judge” – is not one of
the ten commandments. Those set the ground rules which were written anyway in
the very nature of humanity. These injunctions in the Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount
build on those ground rules by probing their implications: ‘Do not kill; do not
even kill another in your heart by judging them.’ Yet how quickly we judge! How
quickly we categorise! Jesus wants us to enfold others in understanding and
compassion even if we see they are on the wrong track. We may attack their
words, actions or policies, but we can still deeply respect the person. I heard
a disturbing programme on BBC yesterday on sex offenders and was moved by the
efforts of those who cared for them to rebuild their self-respect.
Prayer. Lord, help us to fulfil your words
about not judging. Help us to love one another even when it goes against the
grain. Amen
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