Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-3
To bag or not to bag the Thanksgiving Turkey? My mother always bags her turkey keeping it moist, but many leave their turkey open in order to get that crispy skin and golden exterior. This year the question is to go or not to go to Thanksgiving dinner. Some will go and some will stay home for their own various reasons. Whatever I decide, the key element is not to judge whatever another person chooses. For God alone holds the final and the only judgment card. Our role is to walk in love and gratitude on this Thanksgiving day and everyday. Thanksgiving affords me the greatest opportunity to exercise being thankful!
Recently, I found myself receiving the same judgment that I had given to someone else. I was seen as being overly cautious during this pandemic of which I had judged other friends in a similar fashion. At first I was very angry and indignant and then hurt. These are all the feelings I am sure my friend has felt for months. I saw my own hypocrisy and the wisdom in Jesus’ words, “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1-4) I not only received a measure of my own medicine, by God’s grace my eyes were opened to my own log and I discovered that I could use more empathy. In this measure, I can free myself from judgment and just be thankful!
Following these verses in the Bible are the well known words, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or what person is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:7-12)
This is a good advice for Thanksgiving day, wherever you plan to spend it. Thanksgiving day represents a time to be thankful for the fullness of one’s life. One thing I am thankful for during this pandemic is that it has allowed me to slow down and prioritize those things I am most thankful for…my faith, family and fellowship. This year more than ever I am thankful for my family. My parents passed on to me the greatest gift, the word of God. For them and for God I am truly grateful.
Be Thankful
Measure Gratitude over Judgement
How can I exercise more gratitude and less judgement today?