The Reluctant Missionary

Authentic stories from the travels of Michael Smalley.

Life is short - statement #24 from Jesus

28 statements from jesus marriage Oct 11, 2018

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

The picture of forgiveness in verse 38 is of a measuring jar in which the corn is pressed down so that it will hold more, shaken together so that every crack is filled, and poured over the top so that it overflows. Just as God has generously given to his own, so the disciple should give an overflowing amount to others. (Evangelical Commentary)

This is also about personal responsibility.

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5

And look how Jesus handled the crowd trying to trap him:

John 8:3–11 (NLT) — 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

This does not mean you can’t be discerning. You can have good judgment, it doesn’t mean look away and ignore truth. Judicious, shrewd, clever, astute, intelligent, sharp, selective, sophisticated, tasteful, sensitive, perceptive, wise, aware, knowing, clueful.

How does Jesus want you to treat others?

Be kind.

According to writer Jon Van, at the 1995 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, researchers revealed the results of a study that show how important kindness is in day-to-day relations.

In the experiment researchers gave forty-four doctors the symptoms of a hypothetical patient and then asked for each doctor’s diagnosis of the illness. But the real point of the study was not how well the doctors could diagnose illness. Before the experiment began, researchers gave half of the doctors a bag of candy, saying it was a token of appreciation for their involvement in the study. The other doctors received nothing.

Alice Isen, a Cornell University psychologist, said the doctors receiving the candy were far more likely to correctly diagnose the patient’s problem. “Pleasant-feeling states give rise to altruism, helpfulness, and improved interpersonal processes,” she explained.

When God tells us to be kind to others, as always, he has a good idea. Kindness is God’s program for making our world work better. (Larson, Craig Brian. 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers & Writers. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002. Print.)

You want your relationship to work better, be kind. You want your relationship to change, be kind. You desire to be connected, be kind. You desire to be loved, be kind.

“Life is short but there is always time for courtesy.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT

Live Virtual Coaching!

Get access to 9 live virtual coaching sessions every month with Dr. Michael Smalley through the VIP Inner Circle membership. You'll have 24/7 digital access to his coaching, a growing video library, tools to improve your communication and intimacy, assessments to guide you on your path to healing, and a supportive community of people who will encourage you as you work toward the relationship you desire.

Learn More