Saturday, September 29

Today’s Readings: Psalm 17 & 91; Hosea 14:1-9; Luke 13:18-30 & Romans 2:1-11

One of the greatest lessons I learned from my mother was how to embody the spirit of Paul’s words to the Romans in Romans 2:1. The NIV translation of that verse reads as follows: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” My mom has the amazing ability to never put down or judge those with whom she doesn’t see eye to eye. Instead of going after folks who see things differently, she re-channels the negative energy she might feel toward others and pours that energy into re-doubling her commitment to living out her own beliefs. In an era when our society encourages us to attack and discredit those of different political, theological, and social perspectives, I invite you to think about following my mother’s example and avoid the tendency to judge. Just imagine what might happen if all of that negative energy it takes to judge was transformed into a spirit of mercy and grace. Now that you’ve taken the time to imagine it, go do it. Til next time…