Self Reflection

Jesus’ words at the Last Supper remind us to examine our hearts and to seek forgiveness for our own misdoings before judging others. This practice of introspection transforms our perspective as we obey the commandment to “Judge not, lest ye be judged.”

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian church to examine themselves, to know in whom or in what they have placed their faith. Daily, we should ask: Do I trust Jesus with my life? Do I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my steps and guard my words? Do my actions reflect His love? Do others see Christ in me?

Jesus explained to Peter that Satan had asked to “sift” the disciples as wheat through testing. First, we see Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Christ, struggle with his conscience and greed. Portrayed as a man taunted and tormented by demons, viewers see the possible reasons he failed to fulfill his potential as a disciple. And because of his faith-lacking failure, he took his own life. And next, we see three disciples sleeping instead of watching and waiting while Jesus prayed. Finally, we see Peter cut off a Roman guard’s ear and fulfill Christ’s warning that he would three times deny knowing His Master.

The more we walk in the light of Christ, the more we see fellow humans as He does — people created in His image who need Jesus desperately, like we do. We all long for unconditional love, peace, patience, and joy. We all have issues and idiosyncrasies uniquely our own. And yet, He loves us all, anyway.

As God gives us new eyes and renews our minds, our attitudes improve. We begin to see the brighter side in every person, situation, and opportunity. From Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8, we can learn to invest our time and energy in “Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy…”

Meditate daily, even hourly, on these things and as verse 9 continues, “…the God of peace will be with you.”

Questions for Reflection:

• When was a time you may have judged someone based solely on their outward appearance or perhaps a time someone judged you unfairly? What does a person gain by judging others?
• Alternatively, when was a time you extended grace to someone or a time grace was extended to you? How does it feel to receive grace rather than judgement?
• Share some things that you’ve experienced recently that are noble, lovely, or praiseworthy.