But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Luke 6:35
Finding a quiet moment with Jesus at a coffee shop today, I stumbled upon a passage in Luke that struck a chord in my heart. It convicted me of my tendency to judge others—those moments when I catch myself mentally critiquing someone's outfit or silently comparing my parenting skills to those of seemingly perfect moms. Sound familiar?
Luke 6:35-38 (The Message) spoke directly to me: "Love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."
Reflecting on these words, I realized how often I let judgment cloud my interactions and thoughts. Instead of focusing on others' faults, Jesus calls us to extend the same grace and kindness that God shows us daily. His love isn't conditional on our behavior—it's a constant, unwavering embrace that we can always find refuge in.
Let's be honest—how many of us have mentally critiqued someone's gym attire, judged someone's snack choice for their kiddo, made comments about the “ipad Moms” or the Perfect PTO mamas? It's easy to get caught up in comparisons and judgments, but that's not what Jesus modeled for us.
Jesus wasn't about keeping score or throwing shade. He was all about loving unconditionally, even when it's challenging. Trust me, I need that reminder on days when my patience wears thin. Love without keeping score. Embrace grace—it's God's favorite accessory!
Let's replace those judgmental thoughts with grace-filled understanding. After all, God's grace is like our favorite pick-me-up—it perks us up and gives us the strength to face each day with a smile.
More Scriptures to Meditate On:
Romans 2:1-2 - "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."
Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Colossians 3:12 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Replace side-eye with smiles. Let's lift each other up instead of sizing each other up. I promise it will be worth it.
Your Fellow Able Mom,
Heather
Jesus, Thank You for Your unconditional love and boundless grace. Forgive us for the times we've judged others instead of extending grace and understanding. Help us to see people through Your eyes—with compassion and kindness. Teach us to trade our critical thoughts for grace-filled understanding and to lift others up instead of tearing them down. May Your love fill our hearts as we choose to love like You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Let's walk in grace today, reflecting God's love to a world in need of His mercy and compassion.
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