We must reduce judgment if we want to have empathy. Read Matthew 7:1-5. In the last several years, there has been a "generational put-down match" between the Boomers and the Millennials. “Every time a boomer complains about lazy millennials or a millennial mocks boomers for ruining the economy, another tired battle kicks off. Social media thrives on this generational feud, but here’s the truth: most of these arguments miss the bigger picture. Both generations have struggles, strengths, and blind spots—but the constant finger-pointing keeps everyone from having real conversations.” -Ron Clindenin, MSN. As a modern-day pastor, I point people to God and to the mission field. Today, our mission field is in southern Indiana. We know that in order to reach the next generation, we need to love them, learn their language, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we become critical and judgmental of the next generation, we lose our witness. We can’t approach a 25-year-old, call them lazy, and then tell them how much Jesus loves them. Besides, a 25-year-old isn’t even a millennial. The Gen Z generation is currently between the ages of 15 and 29. The millennials were impacted by 9/11 and the War on Terror. Gen Z is impacted by school shootings, Covid, social media, and the rapidly emerging AI. Jesus warned us not to judge people. Why? Because Jesus gave us the two greatest commands: Love God and love people. Loving people means we show concern, compassion, and empathy. Criticizing people and putting them down are not godly attributes. Instead, it shows a heart of bitterness and contempt, which is what the Pharisees displayed when dealing with Jesus. Jesus shows us a bigger picture. People of all generations have struggles, strengths, hopes, and fears. When we try to understand each other and reach out in concern, we are being more like Jesus.

Holy God, help us to refrain from judging others and criticizing them for things we don’t understand. Instead, give us a heart of love so we may reach out in concern for those around us of every generation. Amen.