23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Stop judging. (Luke 6:37)
At a conference on education in Germany, a political scientist compared that country’s education system to asking a cat, a monkey, a dog, and an elephant to climb the same tree. When they can’t, they are deemed unsuccessful. Today’s passage tells us that we do something similar when we judge people. We expect them to climb a particular tree—our tree—and do it well.
We have all made snap judgments at one point or another. “That person should … Why does she always
… If he would just …” Instead of recognizing people as unique treasures, we try to fit them into a restrictive mold based on our own personal values. When we do this, we overlook the fact that our expectations may be totally off the mark for what God wants in another person’s life. We certainly can’t think that we have all the answers. That’s God’s department, not ours!
If you find yourself prone to being judgmental, try to counter it by shifting your attention. Try your best to look at people as treasured children of God—just as you are. They might express themselves differently or choose to act in ways you don’t agree with, but guess what? We all have our own set of quirks and imperfections, and God welcomes all of us. Or try thinking about all the people who have welcomed you, despite your flaws: your parents, your spouse, your children, or a special teacher or friend. They accepted you as you are, even as some of them spurred you on and encouraged you.
Is there someone in your life right now who is rubbing you the wrong way? When negative thoughts start to spiral out of control, say a quick prayer: “Holy Spirit, help me to stop judging this person. Help me to accept him or her as you have accepted me.” You may have to say this prayer over and over, but in the process, God will slowly soften your heart. As you accept this person, you may even find a friendship forming as you learn from each other. In the end, you’ll discover that love can take you much further than judgment ever could!
“Holy Spirit, help me to stop judging. Teach me how to turn my judgments into love.”
1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13; Psalm139:1-3, 13-14, 23-24
Daily Marriage Tip for September 11, 2014:
Our culture often thinks, “If it’s new, it’s better.” But sometimes the old and trusted is better. Over the years spouses develop a comfort with each other’s idiosyncrasies. What “crazy things” do you love about your spouse?