Christian Community Continued

Luke 6:37-42 Judge not... the log and the splinter...

• Last week picnic and love your enemies and graduates and communion

• What’s it feel like to be judged? What happens inside? (defensive)
What’s it feel like to be condemned?
…to be forgiven? …to receive generous blessing?

What actually happens when we judge? When we condemn?
What do these actions facilitate? What do they do to relationship?

When we judge people, we put them in a cage.  Instead of viewing the human being as a being of infinite potential, we view them as just what we see right then and there.  We confine them to their past, and we don’t see a future, we only see the present.

Judging others is directly tied in with faith, with the possibility for new life, resurrection and reconciliation. Judging looks at where one is now or where one has been and says that’s as good as it gets, there’s no hope.  Judgment sees a narrow slice now. Faith sees bright potential.

The measure you use will be used for you. Parents of twins Jimmy and Johnny who constantly competed for an edge over the other. Sharing a dessert, Jimmy you slice the cake, and Johnny gets to pick the first piece. The measure you use will be used for you.

• In a sense, in the sermon on the plain, Jesus is networking, team building. Wants a team that is of one mind, team members that will work together, understand one another, even though they are fishermen and tax collectors and sinners and students. 

Christian community.

From verse 40: A fully prepared disciple will not merely be filled with knowledge from the teacher but like the teacher will put that knowledge into action.

• From the log in your own eye, self knowledge of sins not only makes it easier to understand another’s POV, but is a step towards both experiencing healing.

• Romans 12:9-11, 16-18
⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

• Living at peace, continuing Christian community, these don’t happen by accident. Read out to someone in Christian community this week.

• Closing Hymn: 306 Jesus Saves!