This week I am sharing a few additional thoughts relating to a post I did almost two years ago entitled, “Do Not Judge“. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read those original thoughts by clicking on the title; then stop back and read the rest of my thoughts here. (Or, it’s really okay if you read this first then click the link!)
It is a subject I think that bears worth repeating….not judging others and what it means.
Often times I think we say we do not judge others but do we really stop to think about what we really mean when we say it?
A friend of mine recently shared some wisdom and insight that I thought was definitely worth passing along…to help us remember in our interactions with others and to help clarify what not judging others can mean.
Not judging is an expression of understanding and not condemning someone.
If it is in response to something someone has done, it can mean “I may not agree with what you did, but it is not my place to condemn you for it.”
If it is in response to something someone does not understand, it can mean “I understand you don’t understand and that’s okay. I am willing to explain it to you without making you feel lowly or inferior.”
May I encourage you to ponder those thoughts and see if you can lend those same sentiments to people when you find yourself saying, “I do not judge you.” It may go a long way to bless the other person, and you will be following Jesus’ command too.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” –Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV)
Unfortunately we live in a world where we are constantly being judged and we are constantly judging others. If you read the paper or watch the news it is everywhere. Yes, we are called to judge not lest we be judged. I am guilty of judging others more than I would like to admit. It is often an unconscious response to what people say or what they do. It is something I work on all the time.
I apologize if I did not do this correctly because I have never done this before.
Thanks so much for stopping by and reading, Jeff! You commently correctly too! 🙂 You are so right that it is so easy to fall into that “judging” role. Within the last few weeks I have run into three cases of what appears Christians being so judgemental with other Christian faiths. I have had to distance myself. I hope you got to read the “Lord, Is it I” post too. 🙂 Blessings to you and your family~