VERSE:
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
— Luke 6:37-38

THOUGHT:
You don’t hear many preachers say “if you condemn someone, a good measure of condemnation, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap”. We are often quick to claim the blessings of God at the expense of ignoring the warnings. Most times when we hear “give and it will be given to you” it is in the context of receiving blessings in a good measure because of your generosity to others. Though that is true (that if we bless others we can expect blessings), it is not what the verse is saying. When reading verse 38 in the context of verse 37, you will find that it isn’t a promise of blessing, but rather a warning against judgment and condemnation.

APPLICATION:
Though the bible doesn’t forbid a Christian from every making judgments (it actually encourages us to make right judgments), we need to be very careful in regards to our judgment of others. Do not be quick claim a good measure of blessings for your generosity if you are not willing to receive a good measure of judgment for your condemnation of others.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times that I have been too quick to judge others. I confess that I have been more open to receive blessings in a good measure for my generosity, while ignoring the fact that I could receive condemnation with the same measure that I give it. By your grace, I will forgive and not condemn. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!