Friday, June 14, 2013

Judging Others


Our perception of others is often based on a moment or a first impression. What we see can be an unfair  snippit of who they are and doesn't give us a true picture. When we interact over time we become more aware of the complexity of another person. At times we judge and convict based on other's actions taken out of context or completely misunderstood. Perhaps we need to dig deeper before assuming someone's heart and intentions.

The guy who cuts you off in traffic. INCONSIDERATE!
~~Could it be that he just heard someone needed him and he was rushing to assist?
The gal that walks past you when you dropped your bag of groceries and doesn't stop to help.
~~Could it be that she has a back problem and can' bend down?
The teacher who calls CYFD on you.
~~Could it be that she is mandated to report and your child said something that left her no choice?
The doctor that keeps you waiting for an hour past your appointed time.
~~Could it be that he was upstairs in the hospital waiting for the last moments of another's life to end?
The barista that gets your order wrong.
~~Could it be that she has been up since 5AM and is exhausted?
The police officer who stops you and gives you a ticket when you have a good excuse for your mistake.
~~Could it be that he was told he had issued too many warnings and had to tow the line?


On and on it goes that we are quick to judge others harshly without having the complete picture. We label people and stubbornly and unkindly share our unfounded opinions with others who then pass it on. Soon someone's reputation can be tarnished for an unexplained action.

Be careful what you say. Be careful what you hear. Be careful what you pass on. People are inconsiderate, short, abrupt, lazy, and selfish but that is only one aspect of who they are. The most inconsiderate can also be the most considerate depending on the circumstances. Thankfully, we don't always know the ugly reactions others have of us as we travel through our days.


Ephesians 4:29 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.







In Him,









Joyful






6-14-13





2 comments:

  1. I agree with you completely that we often judge when we don't know the circumstances. I heard the phrase that we are all broken people and that is a good reminder to me to be kind, and so is your post.

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  2. Hi there, Your post is spot on and perfect. I had someone say something to me last night that hurt but as I thought about it today, I realized that she is an adventurer and doesn't get held back by the same things I do. Thanks for sharing!!!
    Have a great weekend,
    Noreen

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