There is a real temptation for those who are called the People of God or Christians. That temptation is to think too highly of oneself or the group to which one belongs. To be called is a privilege, not a reward, and we are just as much (and maybe even more) in need of God's grace and mercy as anyone else. The Israelites had to learn this the hard way, and so do Christians today. We have no reason for feeling superior, or for passing judgment on others.

Luke presses this point: do not judge, for the measure you use to judge others will be used on you. Do not condemn, and forgive. And above all, if you want to be a child of the Most High God, always show mercy. Mercy is another name for God; only when we are loving and merciful are we truly God-like. And be generous - for what we give will come back to us in blessings. It all sounds very simple, and it is - simple, but not easy. We are the ones who make it complicated. Start today - be generous, kind, compassionate, forgiving - with family, friends, co-workers, total strangers, and yes - even those whom you find difficult to get along with. You will not regret it. You will be blessed many times more.