Do you judge people by the best things they do or the worst? Is it easy to judge people you like by their best and those you do not by their worst? An objective statistician considering this question would probably say that neither of these is correct because the best and worst are outliers and not representative of consistent behavior. How do you judge yourself? Your own consistent behavior is the best indicator of your character. Your sins are forgiven, and to dwell only on the best things you have done is to overlook areas that need improvement.

Do you find that your enemies occur in groups of people that you do not identify with? Do you judge your enemies by the worst examples of their groups? Does that make your task easier to criticize them? But doesn’t every group produce good and bad examples, including your own? What does my word tell you about loving your enemies? If you would do this, then try considering those groups that oppose you by the best examples they produce. That would make a fair comparison to the examples you use to evaluate your own group, and would make you a better example of yours.

What do you think are the qualifications for a prophet? In some circles a bad disposition and a big mouth and a judgmental attitude are enough. Yet true prophets are commissioned by God and anyone who claims this title should welcome the scrutiny it invites and you should be eager to give it. Is it enough to be accurate in what you foretell or forthtell? Those who operate in this gift should do more than bring judgment and correction. How hard is it to be an accuser? That job is adequately staffed with a multitude of volunteers. A true prophet brings forth words with redemptive purpose.

Do you see me as a warrior? There are many Old Testament portrayals of a martial God of vengeance, and you see the same qualities attributed to me in the Book of Revelation. Yet do you find any contrast between those images and the life I lived on earth? Didn’t I tell my followers to put away their swords, to turn the other cheek, and to refrain from calling down fire from heaven on those who opposed them? Am I not known as the Prince of Peace rather than the God of War? Since I have called you to follow me it is important for you to get this right.