Christianity 401: Do Not Condemn

Let’s continue to learn from some of Jesus’s toughest teachings - His relational commands, most of which are found in Luke 6, verses 27-38. Thus far Jesus has commanded us to love our enemies by doing good, blessing, praying for, foregoing retaliation, giving mercy, and refusing to judge them. His next command focuses on condemnation, and once again references the law of reciprocity: “Condemn not, and you will not be condemned” (Luke 6:37b). What exactly is Jesus teaching here? We must first understand both the meaning and root of condemnation.  Condemnation is pride in disguise.  It screams superiority and dominance. It’s thought process begins with this: “Because I am better than you, let me tell you how bad you are." While its roots are pride, its branches are superiority. The devil led a rebellion in heaven against God because of his pride.  He is called the accuser of Jesus’s followers (Revelation 12:10).  He loves to whisper that we are worthless. Have no value at all. Condemn us. However, the apostle Paul teaches us that there is no condemnation for those whose lives are rooted in Jesus (Romans 8:1).  And if Jesus died for us, how could He also condemn us? The same voice that says, “I love you” can’t also tell us we are worthless.   And if Jesus refuses to condemn us, how can we possibly condemn others?  We can’t.  We are called to love others.  Not condemn them.  And remember - we do reap what we sow. It’s an immutable law of the universe. Don’t condemn others! And you won’t hear the voice of the enemy, the accuser, who wants to condemn your every flaw and failure.