It's easy to become the self-appointed judges of our own little courtrooms in our everyday lives. We see a snippet of someone’s life – a grumpy cashier, a reckless driver, a neighbour who never waves back – and swiftly pound our gavels, declaring them guilty of various social misdemeanours. But here’s the twist: what if we’re judging the story by its cover, or more aptly, judging the book by a single page?

The Biblical Take on Judging

The Bible, in its infinite wisdom, advises us on this very matter. Matthew 7:1-2 says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This isn’t just a recommendation to be nice; it’s a profound reminder that we’re all a little weird and wonderfully complex.

Imagine, if you will, a world where everyone’s thoughts appeared in speech bubbles above their heads. Suddenly, Mr. Grumpy Cashier’s bubble reads, “Worried about my sick child.” The Reckless Driver blurts, “Late for my first job interview in a year!” And the Neighbour? “Just shy.” The bubbles burst our bubbles of judgement, revealing a narrative much richer and more humane than our verdicts.

Walking a Mile in Their Shoes, Even If They’re Uncomfortable

To truly understand someone, we’re often advised to walk a mile in their shoes. But let’s be honest, sometimes those shoes are metaphorically filled with pebbles, or they’re a size too small. The point is, everyone carries their own set of challenges, discomforts, and yes, sometimes, humorous misfortunes.

Remember Jonah? He probably thought he had seen it all until he ended up in the belly of a big fish (Jonah 1:17). If that doesn’t scream “bad day,” what does? Yet, his story teaches us resilience, faith, and that sometimes, life swallows you whole (literally, in his case).

Love Thy Neighbor, Judgments Not Included

So, next time we’re about to label someone as this or that, let’s pause and remember the wisdom of the Bible and the invisible speech bubbles waiting to be read. In a world quick to judge, be the one who offers a smile, a helping hand, or a moment of understanding. After all, you never know when you'll be the one wearing the metaphorical clown shoes, hoping someone will offer you a little compassion instead of a quick judgement.

And remember, if Jonah could find faith in a fish, we can surely find kindness and humour in our everyday interactions.

Article by: Micayla Niemack