Moore Moments-September Blog-Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged

What if we weren't so quick to judge others, to label them, to put them into categorical boxes? Tramp. Divorcee. Snob. Loser. Junkie. What if for five minutes we stopped and cared, really cared? What if we considered their situation? Empathy is understanding someone's condition from their perspective. It's a walk in their shoes just long enough to get a view. 

Consider that tramp you run into at the grocery. Do you see her, really see her?You should not be surprised to discover that she came from a broken home. She missed out on her daddy love. A few weekends a month as court ordered just didn't cut it. She's got a void she's trying to fill. God designed us to need a mom and a dad. Instead of condemning her with your self righteous words, pray that she finds her Heavenly Father's love to be sufficient. He is a father to the fatherless, she just may not know that yet.

What is up with her?! Divorced twice?! All those kids have different fathers?! Seriously?! Can you stop and look at her pain? The product of alcoholic parents, she was beaten down daily;emotionally and even physically. The insanity continued with two husbands, both addicts. She knows nothing else. In a sick way, this is her comfort zone. She needs unconditional love. God is her only hope for redemption and a new start. See her! Pray for her and for the children.

Who does that bi@#*! think she is?! Critical, mouthy, cynical and rude! Well, she knows exactly who she is. She doesn't, however, know who you are, and is not about to let you get close enough to find out. And why should she? Her abandonment started with an absent father and a clinically depressed mother. No one cared enough to come alongside this wounded child as she grew into a broken young woman. Friends came and went, as they do, leaving more pain and isolation. Her fear prevents her from trusting. Her wall of survival disallows relationships to form and grow. She needs to trust God first. Pray that she seeks and finds him, so that He may soften her heart.

That guy. That loser.  You know the one.  What a waste of good air. A no good burden to society. Did you ever stop to think why he is the way he is? Have you ever looked past him and into his past? He is someone's son; their little boy all grown up. He is a brother, a friend. His wounds are deep. Generations of addiction and abandonment led him to seek comfort in something, anything. Looking to numb the pain, he went from the fun guy at the party to the full blown addict. Loneliness and self destruction became the norm. All the cliches about breaking the cycle fell on his deaf and unfeeling ears and heart. He needs the love of God, not your judgement. He needs us to be patient , as God is patient with us. Pray for healing, don't wish for incarceration.Pray for mercy, don't convict.

God's word says in Romans 7:15, For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing that I hate. This speaks to our sinful nature and our need for salvation. We all sin, just differently. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.Romans 3:23. But God promises redemption for you and for these, His broken sons and daughters. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 

Take that time it requires to pass judgement or to express an opinion, and use it to pray. Pray for salvation and forgiveness. Ask for God's love to permeate your heart so you will begin to understand and have compassion. Love God and love your neighbor, even if his sins are different than yours.

Matthew 5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.