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.
Luke 6:41-42
Your life should reflect…
4. A commitment to self-examination.
Jesus tells us to look at our own lives before judging others. He uses the image of someone noticing a small speck of dust in another person's eye while ignoring a large piece of wood in their own. This teaching reminds us that we often overlook our own mistakes while thinking we are better than others. It’s important for us to be humble and realize that we all need God’s help to grow and change. Just like a mirror shows our physical appearance, self-examination helps us see our spiritual condition, highlighting the areas in our lives that need healing and improvement.
Practicing self-examination can change the way we relate to others and how we see ourselves. By regularly checking our thoughts and actions through prayer and reflection, we can develop a kinder, more compassionate attitude instead of being quick to criticize. This habit not only helps us stay humble but also prepares us to connect with others in a supportive way, understanding that everyone has their own struggles. In a community, when we commit to self-examination, we support one another and acknowledge our need for help from each other. Ultimately, taking the time to reflect on our own lives allows us to share Christ’s love more genuinely, encouraging and uplifting those around us instead of judging them, which helps build a more loving and grace-filled community.
Conclusion:
In closing, we see that the way we judge others often reflects what is in our own hearts. Jesus encourages us to look at ourselves before we point out flaws in others, urging us to build hearts full of compassion and kindness. When we choose to focus on love and forgiveness instead of judgment, we change not only our own lives but also how we connect with those around us. Let’s work on recognizing our own faults so we can help each other grow in faith and love.
Today, I invite you to pause for a moment and think about how you view others. If you realize you’ve been too quick to judge or not kind enough, I encourage you to come forward and seek the healing that Christ offers. Let’s pray together for the power to share His love and be a source of hope for others. The altar is open not just for admitting our judgments but also for making a commitment to reflect God's grace in everything we do. Step forward and let the Holy Spirit renew you, changing how you see the World and drawing you closer to Him.
