Called to Love as We Are Loved

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

Who are we to think that we have a right to judge another?

Today’s devotional reading: Titus 3:3-8

Christians should never look down on others. Are you perfect? I’m certainly not perfect. As Paul said to the believers in the church of Rome, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). You see, all of us have a history of sin, and we would be lying if we didn’t say that we don’t have present sins. So, should we ever look down on someone else because of their sins?

Absolutely not. Scripture makes it clear the kind of character we should have as believers:

1. Humility. Rather than having a self-righteous heart, a prideful heart, the heart of the believer is to be humble. Proverbs reminds us that the reward of pride is shame and destruction (Prov. 11:2; 16:18).
2. Respect. Honestly, respect should be a part of everyone’s nature, but sadly, it is not. The child of God is instructed not to judge another until one has corrected their wrongs (Matt. 7:1-5). Jesus reasoned that we should treat others the way that we want to be treated (Matt. 7:12).
3. Honor and love. We are to love and be in fellowship with one another. Jesus instructed us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Paul encouraged believers to love others in a manner as if they were family, and with great devotion (Rom. 12:10).

Who are we to ever look down on another when God never looked down us? God treated, and still treats us, with great love. We honor the love that God has shown us by sharing the same honor with all of those around us.