COVID-19 is giving us new opportunities to choose. As we do so, we will find others making different choices. Since God has created us unique individuals, that should come as no surprise.
But because it is a great temptation to second guess and micromanage others’ lives, let’s review why Jesus may have said, “Judge not, lest you be judged.”
1. My task is to follow Jesus, not to ask what others do. John 21:22
2. I have my hands full managing myself. Romans 14:10-12
3. Each of us is primarily accountable only to God. See Romans 14:4.
4. Decisions are best left to individuals themselves. Romans 14:1-5
5. Our aim should be our own clear conscience. 1 Timothy 1:5
6. Tempting others to violate conscience is a sin. 1 Corinthians 8:12
7. We are to treat others as we want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
8. I am to put sin to death within myself (Romans 8:13, 14), not you.
9. Love “keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV).
10. If I am to forgive others for offenses against me (Matthew
18:15-35), how much more should I live and let live in daily life?
We all anticipate return to normality, but how we do that will differ from person to person, family to family, as we seek God’s wisdom. Let’s lose the judge’s robes. They are too big for us anyway.
“Father, thank you for choices! We ask for the grace to make good ones, and the good sense to allow others to make theirs. Help us to follow Jesus in serving others rather than judging them. Amen.