Ever find yourself wondering why someone acts like they do, or looks like they do? If only they would ____________!
I recently caught myself on autopilot in judging mode. Well, there were a bunch of people I could have helped. Or so I assumed. Isn’t that my job?
But this time was different. Like an uncomfortable wake up call, long overdue, I realized I didn’t WANT to be a judger!
In addition to the fact that the Lord warns us not to judge, I really don’t like how it feels.
So how do I break free from the bondage of habitually judging others? Here’s what’s helping me:
- Confess my pride
God is the only One Who is qualified to judge. And that’s because He’s perfect, and all-knowing. I am neither. Not even close!
And it also humbles me to realize that others might be judging me too. Why does she do that? And why does she look like that? 😄
- Change criticism to compassion
Have I ever paused to ponder what that person might be going through, or might have been through?
Or what they’re feeling deep down?
- Choose to pray
If I want to be a pray-er rather than a judger, this is what I CAN do. Every time I catch myself slipping into critical mode, I can right then and there pause to pray for them:
Lord, I pray for that person.
I don’t know what they’ve been through.
I don’t know what they’re going through.
I don’t know what they need.
But I know we all need YOU.
Please help them come to know You as their Savior and Lord.
And please BE to them everything they need.
AMEN.
A lot of people are going to get prayed for!
I like how that feels. ❤️
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)