Judging Others

1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye".(Matthew 7:1-5)

We know that judging others is wrong, but we do it anyway. However, we do not wish to be judged ourselves. We want to be accepted for who we are, yet, we cannot seem to accept others as they are. We want others to change, but we do not look at the things in our lives that need to be changed. We judge people by a single act, not realizing that there is so much more to the person than that they may do or say in one instance. If that is done to us we feel that it is unfair. So, how do we stop judging others?

Be aware.
If you find yourself being judgmental, stop yourself. This takes a greater awareness than we usually have, so the first step (and an important one) is to observe your thoughts, trying to notice when you’re being judgmental. This can be a difficult step. Remind yourself to observe.
Once you’re more aware, you can then stop yourself when you feel yourself being judgmental.

Understand.
Instead of judging someone for what he’s done or how he looks, try instead to understand the person. Put yourself in their shoes. Try to imagine their background. If possible, talk to them. Find out their story. Everyone has one. If not, try to imagine the circumstances that might have led to the person acting or looking like they do.

Accept.
Once you begin to understand, or at least think you kind of understand, try to accept. Accept that person for who he is, without trying to change him. Accept that he will act the way he does, without wanting him to change. The world is what it is, and as much as you try, you can only change a little bit of it. It will continue to be as it is long after you’re gone. Accept that, because otherwise, you’re in for a world of frustration.

Love.
Once you’ve accepted someone for who he is, try to love him, even if you don’t know him or even if you’ve hated him in the past. Love him as a brother, or love her as a sister, no matter who they are.

What good will loving someone do? Your love will likely only be limited. But it could have an affect on two people: yourself, and possibly on the person you’ve found love for. Loving others will serve to make yourself happier. Trust me on this one. Loving others can change the lives of others, if you choose to express that love and take action on it. I can’t guarantee what will happen, but it can be life-changing.

Peace and love,

Sue

"Be still and know that I am God"(Psalm 46:10)