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Viewpoint from Rev Mike Flynn 29/07/2022
 Rev Mike Flynn
Minister, Gorleston Baptist Church
Let’s be slow to judge
“There but for the grace of God go I”. You may have come across this quote before in various forms
Have you noticed how easy it is to criticise and judge others – our politicians, those with a bit of a profile, or anyone really? I see this in myself all too often, to my shame. Of course, we won’t always understand or agree with everyone’s approach to whatever the presenting issue is, but sometimes we seem to be prone to indulge in judging others instead of being a bit more kind and generous, perhaps. Of course, there are some evils that do require a right and careful response – that’s important; but there is also so much that doesn’t fall into that category
 You will have heard the - very true - saying: “If you point the finger, there are several pointing back at you.” Or as Jesus humorously puts it: (Matthew 7:3): “Why do you judge the speck of sawdust in someone’s eye when there’s a plank in your own eye” (remember, he was a carpenter)
The truth is that only God himself is really qualified to judge. Only he knows inside everyone’s hearts and situations; we don’t. Thankfully, he judges fairly, and with mercy and grace…and more than that, in practical action by coming into the world in Jesus and beginning the process of putting things right! We’re all grateful for a bit of mercy, aren’t we
Christians believe that this mercy, this love (for that is what it is) was extremely costly. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross” (1 Peter 2:24). Why? Because of God’s love for the world and for each individual: you and me. We can be so glad about that!
So, a plea to all of us – myself included: let’s have more grace and less pointing the finger. With God’s help we can choose to spend our time in more positive, kind and loving pursuits. And let’s thank God for his fair judgement and amazing mercy. Indeed, ‘there but for the grace of God…’!
Thanks for reading
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