Daily Bible Verses for 5/8/2016

Bible Verse
Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

Reading Notes
In this section of the chapter Jesus is speaking about kingdom life, moreover, in this passage in particular Jesus is speaking of hypocrisy. We have to be careful not to read meaning into these passages which is not there. Jesus in these verses doesn’t mean to ignore what we know is wrong, nor does he mean to ignore evil because we ourselves are sinners. In addition, Jesus is not speaking against the godly judgment of a criminal, nor is Jesus saying to not judge evil. Rather, it refers to not using one’s faith or religion as a means of pride causing self righteous behavior. Jesus is condemning a self-righteous behavior that would cause us to look down on others and think ourselves better than those around us. Jesus is speaking against treating others less than we treat ourselves using our faith as an excuse for bad behavior.

Jesus is speaking against a self-righteous behavior that would preclude us from helping those in need or prevent us from sharing the Gospel Message with others. As well as a self-righteous attitude that would cause the message to have no effect because or our arrogance toward others. The Bible tells us we are to look out for those in need, help those who are persecuted and judge those who do evil. Moreover, we are to have mercy on all people and whenever possible spread the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone. As followers of Christ, we are to be a light in a dark and dying world, placing the salvation and welfare of others above our own needs, desires or wants. And we do so by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives! In addition, by doing so, God promises His blessings as they relate to His kingdom and the eternity which awaits us, will be overflowing and more than we can understand this side of Heaven!