In today's devotional, we consider the concluding part of Jesus' sermon on the mount. Again today, Jesus addresses broad topics like; the criteria for passing judgement, effective prayer, the Golden rule of how to treat others, how to judge character, etc.
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
Matthew 7:1-2 NLT.
The truth is, we tend to be merciful when dealing with our failings, but when others are involved, we then remember that rules should be followed. We make excuses for ourselves and then turn around to demand stringent rules for others, Jesus says no. This same rule is applicable when Jesus teaches about the Golden rule.
On effective prayer, in these few verses, Jesus tells us the most important component of prayer and what makes our prayers powerful; it is God.
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:11 NLT.
Next, Jesus teaches about how to become a good judge of character; judge people by their actions, not the words or charisma.
A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
Matthew 7:17-20 NLT.
Stop allowing yourself to be deceived by sweet words. Words should never be enough, the true judge or measure of people is their actions and character.
