LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Times of Salvation
We men are always ready to judge everything, but we are far from looking with mercy. Jesus said that the lamp of the body is the eyes. If our eyes are good, our whole body will have light; but if they are evil, our whole body will be dark (Matt. 6:22-23).
Judgment or mercy is given in the way we look: with good or bad eyes. Jesus always looked with mercy, because he did not come to judge, but to save: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:17).
We will quote a few passages, but we see throughout his pilgrimage the same look of mercy, the same testimony of salvation.
What would be our attitude before Mary's request when she told Jesus that the wine at the wedding feast at Cana had run out? Would it not be one of reprobation? Had they not drunk enough, since the master of the wedding feast had provided everything and more than enough? The Lord did not come to judge, but to save and to show that the new wine is better (John 2:3-11).
What would we think if a woman of ill repute known in the city came weeping and wiped the feet of one of our brethren with her hair, while we were in the midst of apparently worthy and honorable people? Would we not reprove him like that Pharisee? The Lord, who came not to judge but to save, bore witness to the great love of those to whom much has been forgiven (Luke 7:36-47).
How would we look at a woman caught in adultery, where everyone, even the law, condemns her? Wouldn't it be of approval by judgment or at least remember that adulterers will not inherit the kingdom of God? How would we look at a person who walks with us, if we knew that she would betray us and sell us for some silver coins? Would we not take our precautions and stay away from her?
How would we behave when standing next to two criminals, and being unjustly compared to them? Would we have time to look at both of them with eyes of mercy, speak to them about salvation and then say to one of them: "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).
Jesus did not come to judge, but to save and to give his life as a ransom for many. When he was reviled he did not revil, when he was mistreated he did not mistreat, but entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously (1 Pet. 2:23). Even in the extreme moment of his agony, he said: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
We are living in times of salvation. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb. 13:8). If our eyes are good, it is the merciful Lord Himself living in us; but if our eyes are judgmental and judging, it is we who need salvation.