A forgiving spirit

Reflections on Luke 6:37-42

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

I recently heard a story about a person, who regularly looked down on other people and felt superior to them:

This person had a dream, they died and were standing at the Gates of Heaven. A group of people was debating an issue with little resolution. They saw the person at the gate, encouraging them to join the discussion; asking them to be a judge in this decision. As they drew near it was noticed that a person was in the center of the group, their name was covered by a strip of tape; their identity was hidden but the information was revealed about them. The group asked the newly arrived what should be done with this person?

After a brief moment, these words were shared—this person was one that should not be trusted. They were devious. They lied most of their life. They should not enjoy Heaven but be sent to the place of torment. The group gave thanks for this helpful person, they peeled back the tape and revealed the name. It was the name of the newly arrived that condemned and denied eternal joy for themselves.

The Bible teaches that the same attitudes we have developed in our everyday lives will be the standards that will be used to determine how we will be treated by God. If we look down on others, God will look down on us. If we are loving and kind to others, God will be loving and kind to us. If we make fun of others and act superior to others, God will do the same. If we demonstrate a critical attitude to others, God will use the same practice when we stand before his heavenly throne. Remember what the Lord’s prayer reveals: Forgive us our sins, as we forgive the sins of others.

The spiritual fact is everyone has a part of God in their soul. When we meet other people, we are meeting God. When we are demanding of others, God will be demanding to us. When we look through the situation of another person with our heart being compassionate to others, God will be compassionate to us. As we treat others in our everyday life, is the same way God will treat us.

God does not deal with people as a group but as an individual. If your family or nation is acting in an unloving manner, but you are compassionate; God will treat you with a loving heart while others you know are treated differently. If you judge others, you will be judged. If your life is one of love and caring, the love and care of God will be felt by you.

Dear Lord, there are many passages in the Bible that warn me against being judgmental. Forgive me when I forget and place me back on your path of love. As I help others, I am working with you to bring your word of compassion to others. Amen.

Dennis Wenzel is the Spiritual Support Director at the Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson.