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.
Lotta people gonna 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) ❤️
