Do not judge so that you will not be judged. (Matthew 7:1)
Every surface of the cell oozed with self-righteousness. Along with my fellow prisoners, I combed the Scriptures, deciding whom to denounce outside our bars. We blacklisted those we exposed and chanted their infractions. The name of our dungeon was Judgmental.
One morning the door scraped open, and a shaft of light cut through the gloom. My grinning Savior strode to the corner with his hand extended.
“Enough of this twisting discernment into judgment. Let’s get you out of here.”
He led me into a world of beauty. There were bright skies, pounding waterfalls, and space—open space everywhere. My Lord proclaimed me forgiven and introduced me to laughter and music.
I knew so little of what free people did that I felt out of place. Seeking the door of my prison, I found my cronies still there. Now they had my name on their lists. To appease them, I found my old notebook and read some names aloud. The fetid air began to take its toll. I had to get out.
Tucking the list under my arm, I pushed the door until a strong hand stopped it halfway. I peered into the face of my shining Friend.
“Not with that thing you don’t.” He nodded at the list. “You can stay in there to condemn others, or you can live free out here. But what you cannot do is accept my forgiveness, live in my land, and keep that book. Not one page or a single accusation. They must all stay behind. Choose.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I choose to let you be the Judge.