Treating Others Like Christ Treated Judas
- Vernita "Neat" Simmons
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hurt can cause people to treat others in the most unimaginable ways. Then again, some people mistreat others because it is just who they are. However, there is another person who wears grace and mercy in a manner that brings glory to God, despite how anyone mistreats them. Which one are you? Let us explore Luke 6:31 because it is the code that I believe everybody can live by, only if they choose to.
In a world torn apart with anger, resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness, it could be a challenge to love others as Christ loves us. Still, it is a command He gave to His disciples. Dear One, if He did not know that we could, He would never have expected us to do so. (John 13:34-35, AMP).
Christ spoke this to His disciples during the Last Supper, and after Judas had left to go and betray Him. First, the Lord washed their feet and taught them this profound last lesson. Can you imagine washing the feet of the person you knew would betray you? And even worse, realizing that betrayal would cause your life. Beloved, that is what Jesus did.
Jesus chose Judas, although He knew his heart posture. Judas had all the appearance of being saved, but was not born again. (John 6:64). Christ understood there was a greater mission He had to fulfill, and prophecy would be fulfilled through Judas. (John 13:18). Despite this, Christ loved Judas as much as He did the rest of the disciples. He treated each one with respect, kindness, grace, and dignity.
And even in His final words to His disciples, Christ encourages them to love their enemies and to treat them with kindness. (Luke 6:27-28). He was urging them to seek the higher good for another person. He included Judas in the ministry, as He gave them power and authority to deliver others from demons and to heal the sick. Likewise to proclaim th kingdom of God. (Luke 9:1-2, NASB)
How do we apply these valuable insights from Christ? When somebody is rude and disrespectful, be kind and respectful. Proverbs 16:24 tells us that, Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body. Even vengeance belongs to the Lord because He is our perfect Judge who will repay those who think they are getting by when they hurt us. (Romans 12:13).
Besides, leaving it in His hands is far more rewarding than anything we could do. Sometimes, we need this more than they do. And what freedom and healing this brings when we choose to forgive them. Jesus had all the power and authority to change His situation. However, He humbly submitted and made the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Even while He was on the cross, Christ declared, Forgive them, Father, because they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34). Let us follow the example of Christ by forgiving the offender, and leave behind a residue of God’s love everywhere we go.
May the song, What A God by SEU Worship stir your heart to understand that the Lord is not looking for perfection. He looks for the lost and goes to great lengths to save a soul!
TIME FOR REFLECTION: When someone mistreats you, how do you usually respond? What would you apply in this story to help you be more like Christ and forgive the offender? Let's talk about it. Please encourage someone and leave your comments below. Hit that heart and share this devotional.
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