Judgement is easy, but it’s only when we look at ourselves first that we see where our judgements should be pointed. How do we avoid falling into this trap?
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” (Romans 2:1)
Have you ever judged someone based on the clothes they wear? Or the words they use? Or maybe the actions you see? I have to admit that I have. Many, many times. In fact, judging others is perhaps one of my worst and most prevalent sins.
It’s so easy to make assumptions, from the homeless man on the corner to the mom on her phone at the playground. We make snap judgements mostly because our minds like boxes. We need to categorize people into one box or another before we can move on. It’s an evolutionary trait that helps us see danger. But it also tricks our brain into thinking it knows something it really doesn’t.
Choosing to judge others is bad enough, but we also tend to stick by our assumptions. We imagine the group of teenagers at the park is up to no good, even though they’ve done nothing but laugh and talk. We assume the dad pressing Skittles and McDonalds into his kids’ hands in a bad dad when maybe they’re just celebrating with a treat. We only see what we expect to see.
And what do people see when they look at us? When they judge us?
Looking at ourselves first
While judging is a sin, sometimes it’s helpful to turn that judging eye upon ourselves. To look closely at the clothes we wear, the words we use, and the actions we take. What does the world see?
And most importantly, what does God see?
We’re lucky. While the world might judge our snapped words at a child, our tank tops at church, and our binge-watching of reality shows, God sees our hearts. He doesn’t ignore when we do wrong, but he also sees our repentance. He knows when we apologize to the kids. He knows when we shut off the TV and open our Bibles. And He can see us beyond the dressy and not-so-dressy clothes we don on Sundays.
Instead of judging others, we should remember to judge ourselves first. Look at what we put out into the world and wonder if we can do better. Then try.
And above all, we should always do our best to see others as God sees them. Imperfect, sure. But also His children. When we show grace and compassion to others, God extends them to us as well.
Have a blessed Monday!
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