A Mirror Of Our Souls Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#20]

A MIRROR OF OUR SOULS

Luke 6:37-42

Introduction:

I have told you often about my work challenges; but as I think about it, all jobs have these types of issues. Issues like- People passing off all of the work onto you; but taking the credit for the good things. People who spend their time trying to destroy your reputation instead of doing their job. I have also noticed that these people make more money than others and take advantage of all of the resources available for free. I am often tempted to follow the old saying, “If you can’t beat them join them”. Recently I was asked why I don’t just do like they do and my answer always is, “I have to look at myself in the mirror and be good with who I see”.

In our text today, Jesus encourages us to not only think about the World around us but also to reflect on our own hearts and lives. We often find ourselves quick to judge others and blind to our own faults. Jesus uses the idea of a mirror to help us see ourselves clearly and to think deeply about our spiritual condition. As we talk about mercy, judgment, and self-awareness today, let’s open our hearts to change. Let’s use the teachings of Christ as a mirror to recognize our need for grace, kindness, and humility.

Luke 6:37

Your life should reflect…

1. Grace over judgment.

Jesus teaches us an important lesson about showing grace instead of judgment. He encourages us not to criticize or condemn others but to focus on forgiveness and understanding. This teaching comes from God’s very nature, who offers us grace even when we mess up. When we realize just how much mercy God has given us, it changes the way we treat those around us, reminding us that everyone has their struggles. By choosing grace over judgment, we reflect God’s love and help create a more loving and forgiving community.

To put grace over judgment into practice, we need to be deliberate in how we respond to others every day. Instead of jumping to criticize, we should take a moment to think about what someone else might be going through. This means being kind and understanding, even when it’s difficult. For example, rather than pointing out a friend’s mistakes, we can offer support and be there for them. Also, when we talk about our own experiences of receiving grace, we help others see that they can also let go of judgment. By living out grace in our daily lives, we truly show the love and mercy of Christ to everyone around us.

Luke 6:38

Your life should reflect…

2. Generosity in giving.

Jesus tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you.” This teaches us that generosity is more than just giving to those in need; it shows what’s in our hearts and how we view God and others. God is the ultimate example of generosity, as He gave His only Son to save us. Our lives should reflect this same kind of generosity. When we share our resources and time, we demonstrate God’s love and goodness, helping us move past worries about money and ourselves. Our actions of giving invite others to see and experience Christ through us, making our generosity a powerful way to share our faith.

In practical terms, being generous can look like many things. It might mean donating money to a charity, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply listening to a friend in need. When we make generosity a regular part of our lives, we create a strong sense of community where everyone feels supported. Giving also brings rewards; when we help others, we often find joy and encouragement in return. By living generously, we not only show our own faith journey but also reflect the love of Christ, inviting others to join in this beautiful cycle of giving and receiving.

Luke 6:39-40

Your life should reflect…

3. Truth in relationships.

Jesus uses the idea of a blind guide leading another blind person to show us how important it is to be truthful in our relationships. This passage reminds us that the strength of our connections with others depends on how honestly we treat each other. When we fill our relationships with truth, we build trust, humility, and grace, moving away from judging others and forming shallow bonds. Just like a student isn’t above their teacher, we need to live out the truth we value, understanding that real relationships thrive on openness and honesty. By being truthful in how we relate to others, we not only grow personally but also create an atmosphere where people can feel the powerful love of Christ.

On a practical level, showing truth in our relationships takes effort and awareness. We can start by encouraging open conversations, where everyone feels safe to share their feelings and thoughts honestly. This also means we need to listen to each other with kindness and understanding, choosing to understand rather than judge. Additionally, we should take a close look at our own actions and heart before pointing out flaws in others, following the advice of earlier verses about removing the plank from our own eye. By supporting and holding each other accountable, our relationships can truly show God’s truth, highlighting the beauty of humility and compassion. This way, our lives reflect the genuine message of the Gospel, inviting others into a meaningful journey of faith as well.