Judgement Free Zone

I belong to a no-frills gym. For me, exercising most days keeps my mind moving as much as it keeps  my body moving. I appreciate sweating, zoning out, pushing my limits, and then of course, being finished. Since my early 20’s, I have belonged to lots of different gyms. Some of them have been very structured with classes every day, others were more like my second home, and still others were full of friends and workout buddies. But at this gym, it’s just a workout.

However, there is one thing about my gym that makes it better than all the rest. The tagline of this sweathouse is “The Judgement Free Zone”. This is a welcoming way to walk through the door when I’m feeling a little over-exposed in my leggings. But it’s not just about me, it’s about all of us who are there. Those who pace themselves slower on the treadmill or sit in the safety of the recumbent bike. The young adults who lift weights while looking in the mirror for some kind of affirmation that they are enough. Those who are missing a limb, or come with their service dog, or wear their ball cap low as to not make eye contact. 

Every single one of these people is God’s people, and there is no judgment in God’s Kingdom. That’s why I love my gym. It’s a colorful array of all kinds who wake every day, just like you and me, striving to do the day. Sometimes those days are smooth and full of joy, but other days bring the hard edges of life. The good news is that, in God’s eyes, we exist in a judgement free zone.

To the crowds gathered to stone the woman caught in adultery, Jesus said, “Let anyone among you who is without sin bet the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) In God through Christ, there is love, grace and forgiveness. My hope for you is that you rest in this promise now and always.