I’m currently experiencing a small but growing gnawing sensation to discuss something that is often over examined by those from the non-religious community and at the same time overlooked by those within it. Judgmentalism. Just the mention stirs dissention and nausea for some, guilt and cynicism for others. Either way, it usually doesn’t come off positive.
We as Christians (excuse the generalization) seem to struggle with this more than our non-religious counterparts…or perhaps it just seems this way because judgementality flies in the face of what we are supposed to be displaying toward one another: grace.
It’s dreadfully easy to peer objectively into another’s life and shake our disapproving heads. Much easier, than say, looking at an individual and taking into context all of their genetic makeup, experiences, and then trusting they are simply doing the best they can with what wisdom they have gathered. What’s more is that even if we disapprove of their choices, it is not our place to make a choice for them. As adults we have this wonderful thing called free will- a beautiful ability to define our own truth.
As Christians it would be refreshingly healing if we could look at each other through glasses of grace instead of windows of criticism. I’ve said it before in many conversations with dear friends, but on this side of heaven we are all simply doing the best we can in a broken world. Let’s love each other through the pain instead of adding onto it, shall we? Easier said than done, I know, but easier done with practice nonetheless.
Beautifully expressed. Thank you for sharing another piece of your heart.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post Linds:) Hard to practice in a world full of selfishness and hate. It's hard to overcome many things, but grace & love are choices. I love this post. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! If each of us were a reflection of the grace shared with us, the world would be a more beautiful place. :) Thanks for sharing for words of wisdom. Love you!
ReplyDeleteGood advice, and I heartily agree. Ask the average unchurched person what the church or Christians think about them, and they will say, "They don't like us; they don't love us; they are mad at us." Those statements come from surveys that have been conducted among the unchurched. Sad. They feel more judgment than they do love. And, that same judgment is felt by many within the church, too. I guess judgment is just easier to dispense than love, since the latter requires service and care, too. Good post.
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