Read John 8:13-20
Judgment Versus Compassion.
When Jesus said he is the light of the world and the light of life, the Pharisees challenged him saying, your testimony of who you say you are is not valid because you need two witnesses to verify what you say. Jesus responded that because of who he is [the Son of God], his testimony is enough. However, he goes on to say that he does in fact have a second witness that verifies who he is and that is his Father [God].
Jesus confronts the Pharisees in two areas:
1. He said you Pharisees have no idea who I am [the Son of God, the Messiah], where I came from [God His Father], and where I’m going [to the cross where he shows grace, mercy, love, and compassion while offering forgiveness of sins for salvation].
2. He says you Pharisees judge by human standards. But he doesn’t. One day he will pass judgment and when he does it will be justified. But while on earth, Jesus came not to judge but to save. Not to condemn but present the truth.
The Pharisees past judgment based on strict human traditions and based on appearance; and because they were drawn by their flesh, they were unable to see the divinity of Christ.
How do I respond to non-Christians? This is hard. I want to say I’m a loving and compassionate person, quick to show Mercy. Would I be deserving of an A+ grade? If you vehemently oppose God and Jesus, then I’ll strive to live a life of love in hopes of pointing you to Jesus. If you are a committed Christian, then I’ll encourage you, compliment your gifts, and challenge you to a greater commitment with Christ.
But if you’re somewhere in between I struggle and need extra guidance from the Holy Spirit.
I struggle to know when I should speak and encourage them in their faith walk. Do I point out there sin in a loving way? Or are they not ready? Do I focus more on loving them and role modeling a faith walk, while trusting the Holy Spirit to convict them of their sin? When do I speak with words and when do I speak with my life and let the Holy Spirit speak?
Holy Spirit, give me insight on how to love in truth with compassion and grace and mercy. Help me to know when I should speak and when I should allow your Holy Spirit to convict of sin versus me interfering with what you’re trying to do.
