How often do we judge others because we assume what they are thinking?
We know what happens when we assume and all of us are guilty of it at one time or another. Learn what God wants us to do in those situations.
There isn’t one of us that can say we have never done that, me included. It is dangerous for us to assume we know what is going on in a persons heart. Only God knows what is in a person’s heart. I taught my children when they were young that when someone is mean to them, that it is important to remember that they are not that person’s problem; there is something going on inside that person that we don’t know. We must pray for them and give them grace. Obviously that takes lots of practice to learn to give grace and mercy and not react in meanness towards them. There have been many times in my life as a former “people pleaser” where I had people judge me or be mean to me.
I feel like an expert on the subject. I’ve had a lifetime of lessons to learn how to forgive and to work to become un-offendable. That achievement is still tested in me even by those closest to me. As an example, someone I love very much stated that I don’t exhibit any of the fruits of the spirit. A very hurtful statement for sure! That hurtful statement told me that person is battling personal issues and took their pain out on me. They don’t know me well enough to even make that statement.
This un-fun opportunity gave me two choices:
- Respond out of pain and say something hurtful or
- Give grace, pray, and still show love
I chose the later.
The enemy is constantly trying to break us down. We must be on guard and ready. With YHWH’s help, it’s possible to get thru these moments giving grace, but we must stay the course and not grow weary in the process. Here are some verses to help you:
1 Corinthians 2
For who knows the inner workings of a person except the person’s own spirit inside him? So too no one knows the inner workings of God except God’s Spirit.
2 Peter 1 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of Adonai and Yeshua our Messiah.
Galatians 6
Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Colossians 4
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 3
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
How often do we judge others because we assume what they are thinking?
How often do we find ourselves judging others? We see them doing something that we don’t agree with and we immediately jump to conclusions about who they are and what they’re thinking. But the truth is, we have no way of knowing what that person is really going through. We don’t know their story or what they’re dealing with in their life. So instead of judging them, let’s try to show some compassion, grace and forgiveness. After all, we never know when we might need a little grace ourselves. Scripture tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and to always be kind (Ephesians 4:32). Let’s make an effort to apply these principles in our lives and see how it makes a difference. You never know, you just might make someone’s day a little brighter by showing them some kindness.”
We need to be careful of how we judge others because we don’t know what they are thinking or feeling
We are all in different stages of life’s journey and we don’t possess the omniscience to be able to truly judge another person’s actions or motives. If we remember that each person is an image bearer of God, walking through their own individual tragedies and joys, then it should influence our assessments of people accordingly. We invite others into God’s circle of grace by not dishing out judgment they do not deserve, while extending love and praying for them as we too trust in the mercy and grace of God. As scripture teaches us “…judge not that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). Let us instead offer acceptance, understanding and prayers for others.
We can’t always assume that someone is happy just because they are smiling
Though it’s often easy to judge a book by its cover, our Heavenly Father reminds us that this isn’t the right approach. We read in Proverbs 16:15 “In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.” Though we may see someone smiling in public, they could be fighting an internal battle that we can’t perceive from the outside. This teaches us not to take someone at face value and to be conscious of where others are on their spiritual journey; for God says in Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.” It’s vital to look beyond surface level appearances and to always seek God’s wisdom as we navigate our daily lives.
Just because someone is quiet doesn’t mean they don’t have anything valuable to say
As it is written in the Book of Proverbs, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (Proverbs 17:28) This scripture encourages us to be mindful of our assumptions – to pause before jumping to conclusions about people who are quiet and may not express themselves through conversation. Though someone might not seem very vocal, that doesn’t mean they don’t have valuable words and powerful insights to share with the world. Their silence should not disqualify them from being heard or respected as equals among those more outspoken. We each have something special to contribute, so let’s be intentional about providing an environment where everyone can feel safe enough to be their true selves, no matter how loud or quiet they might be.
We all have different experiences and perspectives that shape our opinions and beliefs
In this life, there is a unique tug-of-war between emotions, opinions and beliefs. Some believe that their own view of the world is the only one that matters, but we must remember that each of us has been lovingly created with our own experiences and perspectives from which to draw. And this should be celebrated! In the words of Proverbs 20:24, “A person’s steps are made secure by the Lord when they delight in his way”. Let us embrace our differences and “delight in His way”, knowing that our faith is strengthened when we accept diversity of perspectives free from judgment or bias. This journey to unity starts with each individual allowing themselves to see and appreciate their place in heaven’s grand design.
It’s okay to disagree with someone, but respect their opinion and don’t try to force them to change their mind
Whenever two opinions clash, it is normal to have a difference of opinion. Scripture teaches us that it’s never wise to strive about words as striving about words does no good for anyone (2 Timothy 2:14). We should take time to hear one another out, respecting each other’s position yet standing unfalteringly in what we believe (Romans 12:10) – the ultimate goal being resolving differences in a respectful way. It’s ok to disagree with someone, but instead of trying to force them into our line of thinking or make them change their mind, we should demonstrate grace and humility by respectfully listening and acknowledging the merits of their perspective. Ultimately, when we reach an understanding based on mutual respect, it will be beneficial for everyone. Sometimes we need to agree to disagree. It’s doesn’t solve the disagreement but it ends the current conflict until God can work out His plan in His timing.
Remember that everyone is fighting their own battle, so be kind and understanding instead of quick to judge
We never know what someone else is going through. Confrontation and judgmental attitudes can make situations even more difficult for many people. Instead, we should choose to be compassionate and understanding. It is difficult to remember that everyone is fighting their own battle, but the Bible encourages us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12). Let us show grace and love towards others so that we may all build each other up in peace rather than tearing each other apart with judgement.
It’s so important that we are careful of how we judge others because we never know what they may be thinking or feeling. We can’t always assume that someone is happy just because they are smiling. Just because someone is quiet doesn’t mean they don’t have anything valuable to say. We all have different experiences and perspectives that shape our opinions and beliefs. It’s okay to disagree with someone, but respect their opinion and don’t try to force them to change their mind. Remember that everyone is fighting their own battle, so be kind and understanding instead of quick to judge. If you are struggling with mental health issues, trust the Father in all circumstances, turn back to the Father, repent, and study the whole Bible from Genesis 1:1 to the last word in Revelation
What a delightful thought!
I invite you to search the Truth yourself. Test it. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Please go to your Bible and study the entire story. See firsthand what His word says and what He wants to show you. I always check several versions to allow the Spirit to show me the difference and truth. I recommend you do the same.
Enjoy pondering that thought today!
God bless you