To Judge or Not to Judge

I'm not sure where I heard the following quote, but whenever it was during the past week or two, I took the time to jot it down on the note pad next to my computer:  "Don't judge me on my sins because they are different from yours."

This brings to mind the advice from the Bible to take out the log from your own eye before you condemn the splinter in someone else's eye.

 If you read my previous blog entry, you know about the three things I am endeavoring to include in my everyday life.  Even tougher than being thankful for the bad things as well as the good, I find, is abstaining from throwing back judgement on someone who has judged me in a negative way.  I admit that I have taken many missteps along my way through life, and there are times I've wished that I could go back and have a do-over.  But, I know I can't.  Hence, I rely on God's forgiveness.

This also brings to mind the saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."  If this were true, then I would be among the stongest women on earth! While I am still alive, I don't feel strong at all!  Maybe wiser and smarter, but not stronger.

 I know I am very egocentric when it comes to my personal sins and that I need to look outward to those people whose life paths intersect with mine.  I must be careful not to judge them when they disappoint or hurt me.  Who am I to judge their lives or their behavior?  Like me, they are traveling through their lives, striving to be the best (I hope!) that they can be, and their sins are different from mine.  None of us are perfect, and nobody owns the rights to a perfect life.

On the flip side of judgement is the joy of being with people who do not judge!  I have encountered many of these special souls who I know are hiding angel wings beneath their clothing and who keep their halos tucked away in their blue jean pockets.  These are the people who have loved me unconditionally, helped pick me up when I've stumbled, and who have been there for me through thick and thin.  They are the listeners, the prayer warriors, and the cheerleaders of my life.  And ,in return, I'd like to think that I will always be there for them when they need support and love.

As I think about the quote at the beginning of this blog entry, I know that I don't want to be a judge, and I don't want to be judged by anyone except God.  We all have different sins, and none is more special or unique than the other. 

To be non-judgmental- that's the assignment for today, and everyday.