Judging...Another Perspective

Do you know any folks that will say, "I know what they need to do with their life!"  and then they go on to prescribe their idea of a better life.   Usually this happens when talking about communities or people who are not part of their own culture, social class, or neighborhood.

When folks come to me, I remind them of perspective.   We don't know a specific person's life experience, history or struggles.  We can't prescribe solutions to people's problems unless we have empathy for them or know of their struggles.

Why do I bring this up?   Its the time of the year, now, with the primaries, that people feel very free to share their opinions about the poor, welfare, immigrants, abortion, same-gender relationships!!!   And most of the time they have no clue about living a particular life (poor, immigrant, life decisons or same gender relationships, etc....)   I usually try to change the subject instead of engaging them in their opinion.   I've adopted one of my son's (Bruce) statements..."Do not engage!"

I also bring this up because of a blog that was referred to me that the blogger shared her life experiences and the struggle she has faced and her life now.    The person who referred the blog to me sent it to me with the statement, "I didn't know!"   My reaction was that we will never know everything about anyone and because of that we can't judge!  Only God does that!

General statements make me cringe!  ie. All fat people need to lose wait!!!  I know that, does someone need to tell me that!    What helps is an offering of here's what one can do to lose wait?
An offering that is out there not at a particular person.  That is why all those self-help books and programs are so popular...when people are ready they'll go to them.    No judgement just an offering of help when someone wants it!

I wonder what would the church look like if we became a place of safety for folks, no judging, just a place that will hope to offer help when needed?   Instead of judging people not knowing their life experience or their own experiences with God.   Judging implies that we know all the facts and we can make good decisions about folks.   That's why I know the only Judge I need to pay attention to is God.   Only God knows!!!!