Luke 6:37,38 (NASB) ‘”Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure-pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
It is so incredibly easy for us to see the short comings of others, to pass judgement, hold grudges and set ourselves above them. In turn, it’s difficult for us to forgive when we have been wronged or seen someone wrong another. We think so highly of ourselves, but in truth, we all fall far short of what we should be, do and whom we are measured against. That alone is the reason we are to extend grace upon grace.
In chapter 6 of Luke, Jesus is expressing what is expected of those who would follow Him, the attitudes we are to embody. He, as He most often does, is speaking on the condition of the heart. In verses 37 and 38, He is impressing upon us that how we treat others is how we will in return be treated. Everything we do or don’t do will be ‘poured into back into our lap’. Think about that for a moment. Everything.
Earlier in the chapter, Jesus is spelling out the “heart condition” we are to adopt. Our goal is to emulate His heart, but not just toward those whom we love, but to those who mistreat us and do us harm. It’s easy to love those who treat you well, it’s quite another to show a Christ-like heart to those who don’t. We do this for our own sake, but it is to be done equally for the sake of those on the receiving end. Hate, never conquers hate. Judgement and condemnation never cultivates a loving “heart condition” in another. Hate will never help lead another to the foot of the cross. If you have love for those around you, if you’d see hearts changed and souls won to the kingdom, it starts with your “heart condition”. It starts with how you look on and treat those around you. Especially the ones its hardest to love on. Have a blessed weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
