June 13: Insight Post by Julie Christensen

  -   June 13, 2025

Focus on Helping, Not Condemning: Jesus doesn’t call us to ignore wrongdoing but to approach others with a heart that seeks to help and restore, not to condemn. When we are free from our own spiritual blindness, we can offer guidance to others in a way that leads to healing, not judgment.

Friday Verse

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Galatians 6:1 (NLT)

Friday Questions

How can I gently and lovingly help others grow without a spirit of judgment? How can I be more intentional about offering support and restoration instead of condemnation?

Friday Insight Post
by Julie Christensen

In real estate, we hear the phrase “location, location, location.” Have you ever found yourself in a moment where the phrase could just as easily be “perspective, perspective, perspective?” While reading this week’s Bible Reading Plan, that word perspective just wouldn’t let go of me. A single incident can be seen through multiple lenses, each leading to drastically different outcomes. I’m certain that Jesus and I could kick back in side-by-side recliners, watching the same movie and walk away with completely different perspectives. Let’s pause for a moment and envision Jesus tossing crunchy, salty kernels in his mouth, kicked back in a recliner, watching a movie. Okay, back to perspective….I digressed! Several years ago, our Senior Staff completed mentor training through Leadership Edge, Inc. The goal? Each of us would choose someone within our circle of influence to intentionally mentor. I struggled. I didn’t want to initiate that relationship. I felt so inadequate. What did I have to offer? Wasn’t I already carrying enough? I, I, I, I was viewing the task through the wrong lens. What if I’d asked instead, What has God done in my life? How has He used me to reach others? Where has He worked within me? This wasn’t about me. It was about showing God to someone else. Today’s reflection says, “seek to help and restore, not to condemn.” That experience reminds me that we can approach others not by pointing out what they’re doing wrong, but by pointing them to the God who redeems. If we want to be “intentional about offering support,” let’s commit to entering even daunting situations with God’s perspective, not just our own limited view. After all, we’re all sinners in need of a Savior.

Julie Christensen
Senior Director of Silo Center

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org