Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.
Matthew 7:1 NRSV
In the video above, Rev. Dr. Szymanski rightfully points out a concerning societal development—the rise of the anti-identity. A great many social and political tribes today are bonded not by common interest but by common disdain.
Brené Brown says, “Common enemy intimacy is counterfeit connection and the opposite of true belonging.” In other words, that sense of identity we get from bonding with others over mutual hate is an illusion. Ultimately it will fade and leave us feeling lost and afraid.
If, however, we find our identity in Christ, in belonging to the new creation—a reconciled creation where there are no enemies, only neighbors—we will be bonded by an unfailing love and perpetually comforted by the truth that we are found and we are safe in the presence of the Lord.
Oh Lord, help us look on our neighbors with compassion, not judgement. Amen.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. We plan to post a weekly devotional and a monthly topical reflection AND we want to be as interactive as possible. Please share your thoughts and questions—we’d be thrilled to hear from you!