At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” This mission is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who challenges us to live lives marked by grace, forgiveness, and generosity. In Luke 6:37-38, Jesus presents a profound principle: “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” This teaching invites us to examine the standards we use for others, knowing they will be used for us as well. It is a call to live with a heart full of grace, reflecting the love of Christ in all our interactions.
Understanding Judgment and Condemnation
Jesus warns against having a harsh and critical spirit. The standards we apply to others will be applied to us. This “measure for measure” principle encourages us to extend grace and forgiveness, reflecting the heart of Christ. As we study the Bible, we learn that God’s grace is abundant and His forgiveness is limitless. We are called to mirror this in our interactions with others. This teaching is not just about avoiding judgment; it is about actively choosing to live in a way that reflects the grace we have received from God.
Study: Loving and Knowing God
To live without judgment, we must immerse ourselves in God’s Word. By studying Scripture, we understand the depth of God’s love and His call to extend that love to others. James 1:22-25 reminds us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. As we study, we are transformed, becoming more like Jesus in our thoughts and actions. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and learning. By engaging with the Bible daily, we allow God’s Word to shape our hearts and minds, guiding us to live lives of grace and compassion.
Share: Knowing and Loving Others
Sharing our faith involves more than words; it requires living out the principles of grace and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to speak the truth in love, building up the body of Christ. By sharing our experiences and the lessons we’ve learned, we help others see the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings. This sharing is not just about telling others what we believe but showing them through our actions and attitudes. When we choose to forgive and extend grace, we demonstrate the love of Christ in a tangible way, inviting others to experience His transformative power.
Serve: Love in Action
Serving others is a tangible expression of the grace we’ve received. Romans 12:20-21 calls us to overcome evil with good, demonstrating love through our actions. As we serve, we embody the mission of Lakeview Christian Church, showing the world the change that Jesus has made in us. Serving is not just about meeting physical needs; it is about being present, offering support, and showing love in practical ways. When we serve with a heart full of grace, we reflect the character of Christ, impacting the lives of those around us.
Conclusion
Living without judgment is a daily commitment to reflect Jesus in all we do. By embracing the “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, Serve—we align our lives with the teachings of Christ, becoming true disciples who change the world through love and grace. Let us commit to living lives that reflect the heart of Jesus, impacting our community and beyond. As we strive to be the change, may we remember that it is through God’s grace that we are transformed, and it is through His love that we are empowered to make a difference in the world.
