Lately, I've become more and more aware of the judgement of others towards me and others whom I care about. Can I just say that I don't like it? Yes, we are to judge others by their fruit within our community of faith, but what about what sort of movies they like to watch, or their hobbies, the color of their shoes, what they consider funny, or the loudness of their laugh? When I write that out, it looks pretty silly, doesn't it?
Of course, we all talk about what goes on among people we know to those we're intimate with - that's normal and can be very healthy. However, criticism is never okay, especially when it spills over into how we treat others. Aren't we supposed to emulate our Master in how we love others? Didn't He say we should be known by our love to each other? What exactly does that look like? How about a kind word or a compliment? How about visiting the sick, helping someone (especially those others don't like helping) with a task that's just too difficult for them to handle alone?
So many are stuck in their boxes of preconceived ideas about how those in a community ought to act. I know because I've been there. I spent too much my life judging others by my own man-made standards not really taking time to think about the why or if it really was a worthy opinion to hold. To my shame I admit this. I still struggle with those man-made rules sometimes as we all do.
As HaShem has shaken me out of those boxes, I've been appalled at my own sin in the judgements I've passed on others for stupid stuff.
I've been pondering this for awhile and came across some quotes that are most apt - what do you think?
"The only man who behaved sensibly was my tailor; he took my measurements anew every time he saw me, while all the rest went on with their old measurements and expected them to fit me."
George Bernard Shaw
"Let us not dare to add to the burden of another the pain of our judgment."
William George Jordan
"If you spend time judging others, you will never have the time to love them."
Mother Teresa
"The world is long on judgment and short on understanding. Judging is easy and self-satisfying. Understanding requires perspective, experience, and empathy."
"Usually our criticism of others is not because they have faults, but because their faults are different than ours."
"The tendency to turn human judgments into divine commands makes religion one of the most dangerous forces in the world."
7 comments:
I could not agree more.
Well said doesn't even begin to cover it.
It is amazing to ponder the fact that those who are being judged, even in private, always know...
Funny, I've been thinking a lot about this subject lately, too. I guess as we get older, we DO get wiser!
I absolutely love your playlist, we have very similar taste in music :)
Gee, thanks SM! I'm glad you took time to comment! :o)
Some things just need to be said. Loved the quotes . . . especially Shaw.
Let's all endeavor to be good tailors!
I'm with you, my friend.
I found myself answering the questions that were Yes or No ones with a YES! The other questions will have to wait as I can't remember them now LOL. But YES I am with you on this. We may not be in the same religious boat in the end the meanings are the same. No one is born with wisdom it comes from many moons of observation. :)
I would like to add that the first quote has so much meaning to it.
Great thoughts, these need to be repeated to me often as I so quickly fall back into judgementalism, it is a default behavior, but has nothing to do with my identity in Christ. Thanks!
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