Danny Hickman

Which part of 'Judge not, that you be not judged' concerns us the most? Is it that we realize the harm in condemning others, or is it we worry about what being judged will do to us personally? It could be that if it didn't boomerang back to us it wouldn't bother us. If Jesus hadn't included the warning that judgment would lead to being judged, would it still be a concern? Did he mean that others among us would judge us, or is he saying that God would be the one to return judgment for judgment, that we will reap that which we sew?

I believe this principle is a good way to live in every aspect of living in relationship with others.

Ridicule not, that you be not ridiculed; hate not, that you be not hated; don't bully others, that you be not bullied; don't hurt others, that you be not hurt by others. Condemn not, that you be not condemned.

'For with whatever measure you use on others it will be measured back to you.' (Mt 7) This is the biblical way to say, 'What goes around comes around, so be mindful of what you send around, because it's bound to find its way back around to you.' It's a divine living principle.

We know it's a divine concept because Jesus said it. Jesus was/ is a Teacher, not a law giver. (that deserves to be put to memory).

Why do we persist in hurting each other? The apostle James says it's because our passions are at war within us (James 4:1). He means, 'We can't make up our minds on whether we want to be a friend of the world or a friend of God.'

February 19 2023 • Report