Proverbs 23:7a
Humans are a judgmental lot. We are particularly tough on those who are different from us. Hitler vs. Jews. Hutu vs. Tutsi. And even the US government vs. Native Americans.
We don’t like people who are different from us. Homeless. Gay. Immigrant. Muslim. What makes us any different than those who persecute or kill?
NOTHING!
Let me be perfectly clear. I. AM. THE. BIGGEST. VIOLATOR.
Here’s what I’ve been learning this year. When that very first judgmental thought enters my head, I’m learning to quash it. I analyze why I’m thinking that way. Then, I look for the positives in that person. Beautiful eyes. Friendly. Generous. Nice shirt.
If I can’t see it, I have to think further. Perhaps those words are what that little boy was told by a mentally ill mother. Someone never told that little girl what was appropriate or inappropriate.
I imagine that many of us who worry about what people think about us are extremely judgmental of others. We expect others to judge us in the same manner that we judge them. So maybe, just maybe, if we start to change our thinking, others will too. If I just “worry” about my own behavior, looks, actions, whatever, then I can break this nasty habit of judging.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24
This is a repost from 2014.