My title today is Outsider Judgment vs Insider Reality.
A common practice of many who call themselves “Christians” is to make judgments of other people. I’m not talking about discernment needed for true/false teaching. I’m not talking about the destination of saved/unsaved people (even though that must be done with some care). I’m talking about making or passing judgment about people who may have experienced a trauma in their past or are going through a tough time in the present. It’s easy to fall into the trap of “Well, all they need to do is…” or “That’s not a very ‘Christian’ way to respond.”
When I was a teen I remember a song by Joe South called “Walk a Mile in my Shoes.” I once read the American Indians used the phrase “Have you walked a mile in his moccasins?”
We are often quick to pass judgment on people before we know their situation. We make an Outsider Judgment. But seriously, until I live in their shoes, until I experience the “hell” they may be walking through, who am I to judge them? Instead of judging I need to come alongside them; support them; pray for them; help them any way I can.
Until I have walked a mile (or even a few feet) in their shoes, OR even experienced the same pain as they are (called Insider Reality), I really ought to keep my mouth shut and judgments to myself. I should only open it if is a prayer for forgiveness for my callousness and a prayer for them to make it through.
“Father, make me sensitive to others and less judgmental. Help me to see their life through their eyes and not mine. Help me to see their pain. Help me to keep my mouth shut and judgments to myself.”
Amen, Bill! Off to my mom’s today, so won’t be active here until Tuesday. Praying for you and Jo!
Thanks for your prayers Martha. They are more needed than you know.
I second that Amen! I know I have been guilty of jumping to judgement even as early as this morning. I am generally tactful enough not to say anything while my heart and spirit chases down my brain. Doesn’t excuse the initial thought though.
Least you have an engaged brain which slows the mouth. I, on the other hand, need work on that. 🙂
Good call, Bill. The older I get the easier it is for me to consider what others might be feeling.
These days I have more compassion for those that need the same mercy I do instead of wishing the justice on them that I also deserve.
Well said Floyd. Too bad wisdom doesn’t come with youth. 🙂