BGEA: My mother (who is a Christian) is always on my case about the way I'm living, but I'm an adult now, and it's none of her business.

I wish you'd say something in your column about Christians who are judgmental and holier-than-thou. My mother (who is a Christian) is always on my case about the way I'm living, but I'm an adult now, and it's none of her business. I could do with more love and a lot less condemnation from you Christians. — M.M.

Have you ever asked yourself how Jesus would treat you? Would He be judgmental and "holier-than-thou," or would He be loving and compassionate?

Let me tell you about an incident in Jesus' life that gives the answer. One day some men brought a woman to Him who had committed adultery. They had already condemned her, and they wanted Jesus to do the same. But Jesus refused, and told her accusers they could only condemn her if they were without sin themselves. One by one they left, and Jesus then told her, "Neither do I condemn you. ... Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11).

Parents aren't perfect, and perhaps your mother should act differently. But why does she care how you live? The reason is because she loves you, and she knows that you are headed down a road that will only end in heartache and disaster. She loves you too much to stay silent.

And in a far greater way, that is how Christ sees you. He loves you, and He knows what you refuse to believe: You are on the wrong road in life. Why stay on it any longer? Don't let your emotions, or your rocky relationship with your mother, or anything else keep you from Christ. His words are for you: "Neither do I condemn you. ... Go now and leave your life of sin."

3 Comments

GLORIA says 2.18.2012, 10:39 p.m.

SOME MOTHERS, BELIEVE IT OR NOT ARE VERY CONTROLLING AND HAVE OTHER ISSUES SUCH AS NEGATIVITY AND WANT TO KNOW "WHO WHAT AND WHERE "ABOUT THEIR ADULT CHILDREN. THIS IS UNHEALTHY AND TOXIC! "BRING UP A CHILD IN THE WAY THAT HE/SHE SHOULD GO AND WHEN..

Nana says 7.23.2011, 12:22 a.m.

If and when you become a mother, you will understand your mother's concern. Perhaps she may have traveled some down the path you have chosen and does not want you to suffer what she may have. Mothers are like that...they want much better for their children. This is not trying to be controlling....it is called 'LOVE' and trying to do what God has asked of us as parents....'To teach our children to live in God's word'. Sad to say that some children never get it and others may later in life realize what they were being taught and be glad of it. God bless mothers and fathers for in these days and times we have a hard job in trying to raise our children like God wants us to. Surely am glad He is a patient God.

Missy says 5.10.2011, 1:14 p.m.

My family was on me all the time by they way I dressed. My reasoning was why put on clothes to make me look righteous when my inside was far from God. I knew legalism but did not know Gods love. Now that I am following The Lord Jesus and love him and understand his grace I do not want to continue in my sin because I love him. My family loves me but I wanted them to see the inside and not what on the outside. Knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and being saved and having him come into my life to change me. Not me changing myself to conform to others beliefs. We can't fool God. All have fallen short of his Glory.