1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV 1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
When I first gave my life to Christ I was 12. When I got older and learned of Him as my personal Savior I began to take my impression of Him more seriously. It wasn't until after years of mistakes and bad choices that I learned that I really need God in all situations. After recently coming back to Jesus I found myself becoming self- righteous, condemning, and judgmental. I read the Bible and quoted scripture like it was my job to uphold my Christian values and let everyone know that I was sanctified.
It wasn't until later I realized that I am no different from anyone else. I made bad choices and stumbled as well. Just because I gave my life to Christ and was got saved gave me no room to judge someone else. It definitely didn't warrant me the right to set myself apart from others because of my religion. Although I was excited to be tell people about how God changed my life and get them to change-- I completely missed the mark, and I became overly zealous.
My journey makes me think of Jesus and the Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-7). Jesus condemned the Pharisees for upholding the Laws of Moses and, radically teaching; without showing true/genuine compassion and love. The Pharisees were adamant about letting others know that they were upholding the Laws of God, yet without intentionally practicing them. *reluctantly raises hand* That was me! I would have been one of the people to which Jesus was condemning. I believed that because I was reading the Word and I attended church that I was the most knowledgeable and sanctified Christian there was. Totally wrong.
For me, I have learned it is better to just rather than judgmental. Instead of setting yourself apart from non-believers its best to welcome them. Instead of converting others, be a counsel to them and listen. 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." Essentially it is not my job to convert, condemn or convict anyone. My purpose is to show the love of Jesus onto others. Living a life for Christ and being a model to this world is all I am responsible to do. With love you will never fail.
(Scriptures for reference: Ezekiel 18:5-9 ~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
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