Summary:

Since Jesus did not come to condemn the world, neither should you. A critical spirit will hinder your ability to be compassionate. Compassion will
always supersede tradition. As a Believer, you must aim to be
compassionate, not critical.

1. Jesus did not come to condemn the world (John 3:16, 17, The Message Bible).
   1. Religious people often have a critical spirit.
      1. A critical spirit is harsh, judgmental, and fault-finding.
         1. You condemn yourself when you criticize others (Romans 2:1, 2, MSG).
         2. Judge not, and you will not be judged (Matthew 7:1). a Don't focus on someone else's faults and disregard your own (Matthew 7:3). (i) An evil heart
            demeans and devalues.
   2. Because of their traditions, the Pharisees were determined to find fault (Mark 7:2-12).
      1. Jesus wanted to heal a man on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees were against it (Luke 6:7).
         1. Despite the criticism, Jesus healed the man.
         2. Compassion always supersedes tradition.
   3. God is more concerned about who you are than what you look like.
      1. If you have a critical spirit, change your perspective.
         1. God knows your thoughts; He can see through religion.
         2. Allow the Lord to lead you when you're dealing with people. iii. Don't constantly remind people of how bad they are.
         3. Always choose to have compassion.
            
            
   
   
2. A critical spirit hinders your ability to have compassion.
   1. In the story of the prodigal son, a critical spirit came over the older brother when his younger brother was restored (Luke 15:11-32).
      1. The younger son asked for his inheritance; then irresponsibly spent it all, and nearly starved to death.
      2. The younger son then returned to his father and was restored.
      3. Instead of scolding him, his father had a feast for him.
   2. A critical spirit hinders your ability to be compassionate.
      1. In this instance, the older son already had everything that was his fathers, but was unable to see the importance of his younger brother,
         who was once lost, being found.
         1. His critical spirit hindered his ability to be compassionate.
         2. Aim to be compassionate, not critical.
   3. He asked his father why he'd done so much for the younger son.
      1. His father explained that he was happy the younger son was alive and well

Scripture References:

• John 3:16, 17, The Message Bible
• Romans 2:1, 2, The Message Bible
• Matthew 7:1, 3
• Mark 7:2-12
• Luke 6:7
• Luke 15:11-32