Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Maybe we have forgotten. Maybe the words of Jesus have lost their power, because among the Christian community is a most damaging view. Some believe that opinions, criticisms, gossip, and all manner of grievances can be uttered without consequence. It is striking that born again believers are so free with their judgments. Jesus’ words, however, are not clouded in mystery. We do not need the original Greek of Matthew 7:2 to understand the Lord’s message.
Jesus was clear: Whatever you give out, it shall be given back to you. There are no exceptions. He did not make an allowance for any particular case. Jesus did not say that those who have been misused, abused, or wounded can retain the right to dispense the same. Paul wrote of the law of harvest which describes the reaping of every seed that is planted. Seeds of love produce fruit of its kind. Seeds of bitterness produces bitter fruit. Seeds of giving produce blessings in return. It is God’s Law.
Even still, there are many who attempt to embrace the blood-stained Cross while condemning those who have offended them. It is the most glaring contradiction and hypocrisy among those who have been forgiven of their sins. To think that anyone believes they can retain the power to condemn while rejoicing that Jesus did not condemn them. It is delusional. This conflict has existed for the duration of humanity, but it is still a disgrace. And to that end, anyone who withholds grace becomes a disgrace. Jesus said, Mat 10:8 “freely ye have received, freely give.”
The whole of this subject is much larger and deeper than this moment, but we must subscribe to the scripture. If not, we will become religious in word, but not in nature. We will reserve for ourselves rights, which Jesus did not give. In doing so, we will find a certain fate.
Jesus said that the merciful shall obtain mercy-Mat 5:7. Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees that weightier matters pertained to Mercy and Faith -Mat 23:23. It might be time for everyone to pause before speaking; guard before hearing; and pray before assuming.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole