Judgment
Bullying / Prejudice
Judgment is a very big issue in our society. Along with that
is making decisions without having all the correct information or “jumping to
conclusions”.
When judging, we
create a downward spiral that is all based on incorrect assumptions. A
conversation cannot be built around this and the situation just gets worse.
In most cases,
we think we know the situation, but we may not. There is not a way to determine
we are on the correct path without asking questions and having a conversation.
Our tone of voice creates an adversarial situation in many cases. We need to
check the validity of our thoughts and words.
Everybody say,
"I reap what I sow." We all get caught in the trap.
The following
two paragraphs came from Facebook posts and illustrate situations related to
judgment. The sources are unknown.
You can’t let
people scare you. You can’t go your whole life trying to please everyone else.
You can’t go through life worried about what everyone else is going to think.
Whether it’s your hair, clothes, what you have to say, how you feel, what you
believe and what you have. You can’t let the judgment of others stop you from
being you. Because if you do, you’re no longer you. You’re someone everyone
else wants you to be.
The boy you called a “gay boy” in the hall at school today.
He committed suicide a few minutes ago. That girl you called a slut in class
today. She’s a virgin. The boy you called lame. He has to work every night to
support his family. That girl you pushed down the other day. She’s already
abused at home. That girl you called fat. She’s starving herself. The old man
you made fun of because of the ugly scars. He fought for our country. The boy
you made fun of for crying. His mother is dying. You think you freaking know
them. Guess what? You don’t.
So evaluate yourself first. Are you guilty? Make sure you
are fully informed and then choose your words wisely.
We need to also share differences in a positive way that
will allow the other person(s) to understand the whole situation. Create a good
environment that allows a healthy exchange of information.
Matthew 7:1
"Don't judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be
judged and criticized and condemned yourselves."