Unity Comes through Grace and Truth

Judge not. Few biblical words have become more familiar and more quoted in popular culture than these; though few understand the context of Jesus' teaching.

Jesus commanded his listeners to, “Judge not, that you be not judged"(Matthew 7:1). Instead Jesus explained that his followers should consider the sin (or in his illustration, the log) in their own lives. In other words the way of Jesus is not critical but humble.

When we consider the logs in our own eyes we remember our need for grace and that God alone is judge. That's what inspired James to say, "There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:12).

However, that's not all Jesus teaches. He does not instruct us to only focus on our shortcomings. He tells us to confess our sin first. "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye" (Matthew 7:5). The difference between loving discernment and critical judgment is integrity. Speaking the truth in love to our neighbor is only possible when we have first acknowledged our own brokenness (Ephesians 4:15).

In the aftermath of the attack on the Capitol, some may say, "these people are evil." Others may try to dispel the negativity by conceding that "no one is perfect."

Independently both are incomplete. Neither response fully expresses the kingdom of Jesus. Yes, no one is perfect but Jesus is. That means we are never to take his seat as judge but we are compelled to be people of the light, people of truth.

A lot of people are talking about unity right now. According to the Bible unity comes through grace and truth. And Jesus is God's glory and the Word made flesh, "the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). We are not made one through anger and blame––no matter how accurate our assessment. We are not made one by being passive with the truth––no matter how loving our intentions.

Unity comes through grace and truth. May we be a church of both.