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But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ \u2013 Ephesians 4:15<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Wearing a guest tag, Natalie took a second tour of the gym before deciding whether to join.\u00a0 She retraced her steps, greeted with friendly smiles from both personnel and patrons. Assured she had finally found a supportive, inclusive environment, Natalie walked back to the front desk\u2014only to find a disgruntled woman complaining about rude remarks she’d overheard regarding another person\u2019s weight.\u00a0 \u201cI thought this was supposed to be a \u2018Judgment-Free Zone\u2019!\u201d the woman fumed. \u201cIt is our goal to make it that way,\u201d the staff member replied empathetically, pointing to the wall hanging. \u201cAnd we hope everyone will do their part to achieve it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n There\u2019s a difference between judgmental condemnation and speaking the truth thoughtfully and purposefully.<\/em> This is what came to mind as I pondered a Christian’s responsibility not to compromise or sugarcoat God’s Word. It reminded me of Jesus\u2019 encounter with the adulterous woman and how it resulted. Although the woman was spared death by stoning, Jesus did not ignore her wrongful behavior, as proven when her accusers were gone and He said in a non-judgmental tone: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11).\u00a0<\/p>\n Judgmental condemnation seeks to ridicule and belittle another, oftentimes in a self-righteous manner. However, when we apply Ephesians 4:15 by speaking the truth for another’s betterment, we can do so thoughtfully and purposefully. As followers of Jesus Christ, we too can strive to be a judgment-free zone.\u00a0<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ \u2013 Ephesians 4:15\u00a0 Wearing a guest tag, Natalie took a second tour of the gym before deciding whether to join.\u00a0 She retraced her steps, greeted with friendly smiles from both personnel and patrons. Assured she … <\/p>\n