“We are already one. But we imagine that we are not.” – Thomas Merton

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Listen to my song “Love God” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Support my ministry by purchasing my songs and books at the links following the scripture reflection. Thank you!

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Luke 6:37

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.”

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These words from Jesus are hard for us to accept.

It seems so unfair because, if we are honest, there are certain people we want to be condemned…or at least severely chastised!

Our binary minds are always judging what’s good and what’s bad, who’s good and who’s bad, who’s on our side and who is not.

This is the dualism that separates us from our fellow human beings.

Jesus wants us to realize that we are all one in God.

That’s why he commanded us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) because we are all children of God, who “makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

Jesus said that whatever we do to the least of these, we do to him (Matthew 25:40).

We actually do it to Jesus.

Can you understand that?

Now, can you see the oneness of all?

That’s why Jesus could order us to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39).

As yourself.

As if your neighbor is you.

That’s why judging or condemning another is having it come back on you.

That’s why forgiving another is having it come back to you.

So beautiful and transforming – and yet, also sadly lacking!

This is why G.K. Chesterton wrote: “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”

Each of us is called to try.

As I said in my last reflection: How else will God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10)?

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Listen to the song of the day “Love God” on the Live to Love album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!