Has anyone ever quoted Luke 6:37 to you? Well, at least the part that says, “judge not?” I certainly have had that happen in my life. Sometimes as Christians, we are afraid to say anything or do anything about a situation because we know that no matter what we do, we will be called “judgmental.”

In the past, the most quoted Bible verse was John 3:16; today, it is Luke 6:37. I find it hilarious that many who do not submit to the authority of Scripture are so quick to use it when it suits them. Oops, was that statement judgmental? Did I say something that made others take a hard look at their behavior?

At SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary, I taught the undergraduate course in hermeneutics (Bible interpretation). It is one of my favorite classes to teach because I love helping others rightly understand God’s Word for themselves. When I teach people how to study the Bible, I frequently state, “Never form church doctrine or personal spiritual discipline on just one passage.” To properly understand the WHOLE teaching of God about a subject, you must see the BID PICTURE of the WHOLE Bible – not just one or two verses.

A few days ago, I was sulking because some things didn’t go my way. I snapped at my wife. She graciously told me I needed to get my head on straight. My attitude toward everything soured because of one situation. In prayer, I had to let go of this thing (that was out of my control anyway) and trust God to work all things out for good.

How many parents have said to their kids, “Check your attitude?” Come on now, be honest! Attitudes, good or bad, are contagious. When they are good and positive, people accomplish so much. But when they are nasty or negative, the best plans fail.

Jesus has a lot to say about attitudes in Luke 6:20-49. These verses are one sermon that Jesus preached to His disciples and “the people.” This whole blog deals with our attitudes about four things:

Circumstances

People

Ourselves

God.

So, let’s ask ourselves, “What is my attitude about my circumstances?” If we deal with this one thing, our attitude toward people, ourselves, and God will also change.

In one short discussion about forgiveness, we looked at Luke 6:27-36. Burundi endured a civil war from 1993-2005. Some pastors spoke about being forced to fight. Others shared how they were forced to flee across borders to safety. These men and women of God carry deep wounds; their scars impact how they see the world and the church. I can honestly say, they have a much better outlook than I would have after living through conflict.

It was my joy to pray with a prodigal this week to rededicate his life to Christ. The bondage of sin was too much for him to bear, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit lovingly confronted him with the error of his ways. The grace of God showed up, and that which was dead is now alive again.

This experience reminded me of Paul’s declaration to the Galatians. They were tempted to come under the bondage preached by Judaizers.

On Sunday, Sherry and I went to one of our favorite eateries after church: Café le Gourmand (Bujumbura, Burundi). They serve wonderful coffee, great food, and amazing French pastries! Though we rarely eat pastries, every now and then we just cannot resist. Sunday was one of those days!

Have you ever received miraculous healing? I know many who read this will answer yes. In more than 30 years of ministry I’ve witnessed several documented healings and have personally received a healing touch from God. I unreservedly preach that divine healing is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers. In my mind, if God created human beings, then He has the power to intervene when disease and sickness attack that creation.

Luke’s gospel does not shy away from showing Jesus as a healer. His letter to Theophilus is filled with divine intervention in the lives of the suffering. Two powerful stories found in Luke 5:12-26 help us see the power of God to heal. But let’s start with an important question, “Where does sickness come from?