A Reflection On Condemnation

When I am tempted to judge others

Christians have earned a reputation for condemning others. Some of this is simply that we stand up for what is right, but some of our reputation is warranted. We often wrap up within our proclamation of truth an indictment of those who don’t live up to it. But Jesus never asked us to condemn—and He Himself said He did not come to condemn.

We must ask ourselves: Does our mission match the message of Jesus? In proclaiming the gospel to the world, are we hard on self-righteousness but merciful toward sinners? If not, we are not like Him, and we must question how much we have let His words and His life saturate our minds. In trying to do the work of the Holy Spirit by convicting the world of sin, we may be demonstrating mistrust that God will do as He said. It is His responsibility to convict of sin. The only gospel Jesus sends us into the world to preach is truly good news: forgiveness of sins by the abundant grace of God to all who believe.

God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned.

John 3:17-18, NIV