Christ taught us to forgive and forget, love one another, even to love our enemies. How in the world do we do that? How do we forgive and love a serial killer or a child molester or a dictator when many of us have a hard time loving our own mother-in-law? This seems like a very daunting commandment indeed. Most of us just give up and say, 'I'll never be able to do that, so why try?'

If love is Christ's greatest message, then wouldn't He have given us clues as to how to accomplish it? Would He command us to do something that is impossible? Perhaps the secret to accomplishing this commandment is hidden in His other teachings.

He also commanded, 'Judge not, that ye be not judged.' (Matthew 7:1). At first glance you might think this commandment is just one more that is impossible to keep. After all, do you let a known serial killer in your front door because you don't want to judge him? Or do you let a known pedophile baby-sit your children? No, you have to use common sense and good judgement. Judgement -- now there's that term again -- that thing He said not to do.

So how do we resolve this seemingly illogical commandment to 'judge not'? Here is the subtle solution. We should not judge people, but we may judge things -- actions or principles. We do not know the life history or circumstances of the child molester. He may have been abused himself. He may know nothing else. Giving him an excuse or a rationale for his behavior does not make it right. Neither does it give you the incentive to have him watch your child. But, when you separate his habit from him, you are then free to forgive him, have pity on him, and yes, even love him. You don't have to love or accept his habit or allow it to infringe upon your life.

When we realize that we don't know all the facts or all the circumstances in another person's life -- when we realize we don't know all the steps that led up to making them the person they are, we then know why we are not the ones to sit in judgement on their souls. We may judge their actions. Our judicial system is perfectly valid for determining consequences for actions. But, only God knows the soul, the heart and the mind behind the offending actions.

Yes, we may judge actions. We may use good judgement when we decide whether we want someone else involved in our lives or the lives of those for whom we are accountable. But, when we are able to truly separate the offender from the offending actions, we will be closer to being able to forgive and even love them. Thus, 'judge not' is the key to 'love one another.'

Marnie Pehrson, a mother of 6, has been highlighting truth and talent for 15 years. Whether it's writing a novel that spotlights individuals who've made a difference in the world or helping a talented entrepreneur create a platform for his life's work, Marnie underscores truth and talent in innovative and compelling ways. She is the creator of www.IdeaMarketers.com and helps experts promote their products and services online. For more information on her various projects and books, visit http://www.pwgroup.com. Contact the author, Marnie Pehrson , at marnie@pwgroup.com
.