When Jesus tells us in the New Testament not to judge, it isn't only because it is not kind or nice but because most of the time we judge wrongly. We make all sorts of negative judgments about people but Paul asks us to put that aside and be patient. In due time - when Jesus returns - he will bring everything that is hidden in darkness into the light. Perhaps those we thought holy and virtuous will be found with all sorts of flaws while those we despised will reveal hidden goodness and decency. Deceit, injustice, dishonesty, and unkindness cannot remain concealed - we cannot fool God. Let us look for the good in the most unlikely people.

Trying to pour wine into an old wineskin only results in wasted wine. The wineskin has to be strong enough to receive and hold the weight and force of the new wine. Likewise, sewing a nice new piece of cloth on a tattered old garment is often unhelpful - the old garment cannot handle it. In a similar fashion, we cannot really receive many of the new teachings of Jesus and understand them with old, worn-out ways of thinking. We need a new spiritual consciousness and a new worldview. Let us always be open to the challenge of new ideas and willing to change. God is infinite and so God continually tries to broaden our spiritual horizon and understanding. If we welcome our experience each day with this spirit we will be transformed.