Have you ever thought about judging? I’m specifically talking about judging other people you might meet while shopping or traveling. This is a subject which has been on my mind lately.

I suppose what I’m really talking about is condemning, or judging to condemn. It is looking at someone, judging something about them as inappropriate, or a bad choice, and possibly evil, and then condemning them out of hand.

We currently live in what is known as the Bible Belt. You would think people would be kind and forgiving, what with a church on every corner. But you might be wrong.

As I go about my business in town, I see the glances one person gives to another, because they don’t fit into their idea of what is right or acceptable. Or the person who is friendly to your face and then talks down about you behind your back.

I don’t know about you, but I have enough problems of my own. I don’t need to take on anyone else’s troubles, or worry about what they wear, how they fix their hair, or what color their hair is.

First of all, I don’t know where that person is coming from. What is in their past? What culture did the grow up in? Is there a significance to whatever it is one might condemn? Maybe you don’t like tattoos. I’v seen that look on faces in the store. Ooh, tattoos. Obviously ungodly, unchristian. Hot pink, purple, or blue hair? Probably a drug user. Avoid at all costs. Buying alcohol? Sinner! Oh, no! They vote for the other political party! We can’t be friends.

Can we just give the person a chance before we condemn them out of hand?

I don’t believe I was put on this Earth to condemn anyone else for their life choices. I don’t have to follow their example and do what they do. I don’t have to approve what they do or don’t do. I don’t have to look askance because they are atheists or gay.

And I do not have the right to judge and condemn them for following their path. They will have to answer for their own actions, as I will have to answer for mine. And who knows? They may choose to make changes later in life, which is an option up until death.

Folks, sorry for the rant, but it has been on my mind. I see it so often when I’m out, directed toward people I consider friends–even though we see some things a different way.

We can agree to disagree and enjoy those things we have in common.

So, if you’ve read this far, think about it. If you are Christian, take a look at what you’re doing, how you’re acting, and decide whether your words and actions are truly Christian. Would Jesus treat these people the way you do? After all, scripture tells us, “Judge not, lest you be judged.”

If you aren’t Christian, or religious at all, think about how someone else might view and condemn you. What is there about you someone else might condemn, as you condemn others?

And how would you feel about it?

That’s all for now. If this makes you think, I’m glad. If you agree, fantastic.

If not, you are free to have your own opinion, as are we all.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings!

Remember,

Stay safe, stay healthy, but most of all, be kind