Judge Not?

Good Morning!! Judge not, that you be not judged. Judge not,...is that even possible? We all have to make judgements about people, and situations. A company looking to hire an employee, needs to judge the applicants. In a political election, you have to judge the candidates' character and abilities. "Judge not" doesn’t mean we should suspend all judgment. Nor does it mean that we should look pass, or tolerate wrongdoing. Sometimes you have to judge people,...but judgments need to be honest, and fair. That’s hard work,...which is why we seldom do it.

How 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?—Matthew 7:4 (NIV)

Judging people honestly and fairly, involves three basic things. First, don’t make comparisons. Women are compared to their mothers, and men to their fathers; parents compare one child to another. It is never fair, and seldom helpful, to compare one person to another. Second, when judging people, use compassion. Be empathetic. When you pause to imagine another person’s struggle, you tend to view that person a lot more charitably. And third, consider yourself. "First take the log out of your own eye," said Jesus. I have found that the traits in other people, that most annoy me, are the very traits that I myself possess,...and wish I didn't!
Honest evaluation involves seeing a person for who he or she is,...and takes into account their gifts, struggles, and limitations.

"If we but knew the sad, secret history of our enemies,
...they would no longer be our enemies."
(Longfellow)

Lord, help us to be more compassionate,...and less critical. Amen.

"We honor God best, when we call Him Father,...and live like His Son."