Q:
I wish you'd say something in your column about Christians who are judgmental and holier-than-thou. My mother (who is a Christian) is always on my case about the way I'm living, but I'm an adult now, and it's none of her business. I could do with more love and a lot less condemnation from you Christians.
A:
Have you ever asked yourself how Jesus would treat you? Would He be judgmental and “holier-than-thou,” or would He be loving and compassionate?
Let me tell you about an incident in Jesus’ life that gives the answer. One day some men brought a woman to Him who had committed adultery. They had already condemned her, and they wanted Jesus to do the same. But Jesus refused, and told her accusers they could only condemn her if they were without sin themselves. One by one they left, and Jesus then told her, “Neither do I condemn you. … Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).
Parents aren’t perfect, and perhaps your mother should act differently. But why does she care how you live? The reason is because she loves you, and she knows that you are headed down a road that will only end in heartache and disaster. She loves you too much to stay silent.
And in a far greater way, that is how Christ sees you. He loves you, and He knows what you refuse to believe: You are on the wrong road in life. Why stay on it any longer? Don’t let your emotions, or your rocky relationship with your mother, or anything else keep you from Christ. His words are for you: “Neither do I condemn you. … Go now and leave your life of sin.”