Passing Judgment

Romans 14:22 English Standard Version (ESV) The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.

Do not judge others and do not judge yourselves.

The only way to accomplish this is to have a close personal relationship with God.

Deuteronomy 6:5 English Standard Version (ESV) You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Matthew and Mark quote Deuteronomy 6.5 but Luke adds one more suggestion.

Luke 10:27 English Standard Version (ESV) And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

The love of God cannot be contained. It went unsaid in two gospels and is addressed in the third synoptic gospel and it was not spoken of in John’s gospel at all. Why?

Luke 1:1-4 English Standard Version

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Luke had a personal relationship withTheophilus and had some concerns with what was being taught. His love for his friend compelled him to clarify some issues so that his friend should come to know the truth. Luke’s observation of what God’s love does in mankind became apparent.

Why didn’t John’s gospel include a quote from Deuteronomy 6:5? Some history is required to understand why. John’s gospel was written some 70 years later. A good long time had passed and much of the teachings of Christ during those days failed to include some very important information that was not being taught during those times.

John had a special love and relationship with Jesus Christ. That is my opinion, and mine alone, do not take my word for it, but discover it for yourselves. A close personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes all the difference. 

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