Jesus’ Life: Chapter 5 – The Sermon On The Mount
Is it easier to judge others than to analyse ourselves?
People sometimes say that they gain a great deal of enjoyment from a so-called, “Good gossip”. But is that an honest thing to do?
Beware, there may be a heavy price to pay later? Lifelong and irreparable damage can be done if casual and incorrect judgments about others are passed around. The comments can stick for eternity; the life of an innocent person destroyed.
Jesus was stark in his advice. He said, “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite”.
Best not to gossip, don’t you think? (Matthew 7:1-5, Mark 4:24-25, Luke 6:37-42)
Thought
Often the underlying reason for gossip is to compare ourselves with others; that’s selfish! Place yourself at a superior moral height.
Of course, some people seem to have better times than us but we must also realise, many have it worse. Real life is using our own gifts and talents to the full and of course, sharing.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, deliver me from my selfish thoughts. May I see only you in my words, actions and deeds.
Prayer: Love (Mechthild of Magdeburg)
Lord,
love me passionately,
love me often and love me long.
The more passionately you love me,
the more beautiful I become.
The more often you love me,
the purer I become.
The longer you love me,
the holier I become.
