It’s pretty easy to fall into legalism and judgment, which almost always results in condemnation; of self, others, or both.

A little reminder today of who said what…and perhaps consideration for who you want to be listening for.

Our righteousness is as filthy rags? -Isaiah

Chief of sinners? Retched man? -Paul

You brood of vipers! …now that was Jesus.

But wait, He condemned and resorted to name-calling? Nope. He simply NAMED them….in accordance with their character and intent…to condemn. The difference? Heart. Isaiah and Paul, for example, LOVED The Lord, and recognized their weak flesh. The only mis-steps above were polarity, comparison (to God no less), and self-condemnation.

What do you say we take the word of someone with a bit more authority than we do? More trustworthy than any of us? Since what THEY say is what matters? Let’s listen to Those who know who They are, and know us better than anyone:

Neither do I condemn you. -Jesus

I have loved you with an everlasting love. -God

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. -Jesus

Seems we have a spiritual self esteem problem, and it boils down to whom we listen and believe. Men? How about no. We’re all deceived in some capacity. I’m going to stick with the One who made me, said He loved me, and that He didn’t condemn me.

Good talk. 😉