Bible Studies
Ses'khona # 7We Are Here ... to Repent from Judging Others
Bongiwe Dumezwemi
Luke 6:37- 49; 13:1-9; 18:9-14
AIDS Bible Studies
About this project
About IFES
Go to study number: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Have you ever been judged by someone? How did it feel?
Often the first response to HIV/AIDS has been judgement, even among Christians. Sadly this has isolated people, delayed care, and encouraged silence. There is no denying that often wrong and unhealthy behaviour is wrapped up in the HIV/AIDS pandemic. And we need to seriously consider God's judgement on us personally and corporately. But why is it that Scripture urges us over and over again not to judge others, lest we too be judged? How do we balance these two realities - understanding God's judgement and avoiding our tendency to judge?
Read Luke 6:37- 49.
1. a. What illustrations does Jesus use to warn us not to judge, yet still being careful how we live?
b. How would you sum up Jesus' teaching throughout this passage?
2. Which of these illustrations encourages you to be slow to judge others?
Briefly explain your choice to the group.
Read Luke 13: 1-9.
3. a. How does Jesus answer this age-old question "Has the person who dies tragically sinned more?"
b.What warning and parable does he add to his answer?
4. What examples are there of people dying of HIV/AIDS who have not sinned any more than anyone else? How could we be more careful not to judge, yet ourselves be more careful to live under God's judgement?
Read Luke 18: 9-14.
5. Why is a spirit of humility so critical in our behaviour towards others and towards God?
6. What help do any of today's Scriptures offer us to face our judgemental attitudes?
7. How could we pray more sensitively for those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS? For ourselves?
Group prayer
Take some time for each person to write down ways in which they have been guilty of judging others, especially those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Pray prayers of repentance, bringing your judgementalism to God the Father and seeking His forgiveness.
Go to study number: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
<< back to other Bible Studies
Print
Email
