Judge not ...

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No one likes to be judged. Yet, we all judge others. 

We form impressions based on how someone looks, dresses, accent, mannerisms, the race, gender and what not. Even before a person has a chance to utter a single word, we have formed an opinion on the other person. 

It is not surprising that we do that, since much of our communication tends to be non-verbal. We communicate more to others by the way we listen, move,  react, our body language than the actual words we speak.

I'm convinced that judging in itself is not a bad thing. Maybe, the judgement helps us discern right from wrong or make sound decisions. However, it seems like some people are less "judgmental" than other people. 

Maybe, they don't let their impressions of others drive them to treat people poorly, give unwarranted opinions, or act pompous and self-righteous. 

I'm always bothered when people judge - it makes me want to retreat in my shell and perhaps, do more of what they find offensive, just to make a statement. Then, I find that I'm judging too. 

It is so subtle, and creeps in our day to day lives. It makes me think that we are so obnoxious as human beings. I do not know how God has the patience to deal with us or look past all our offences. Perhaps, if did not have humbling experiences in our lives, we would be so proud, that we wouldn't even relate to suffering in any form. Especially when someone else is suffering. 

I used to wonder why as an Indian community, we tend to be so secretive and guarded in our issues. But, it seems to me as if it is the fear of being judged by others for personal issues which makes us secretive. If people felt safe in confiding, they would. If people felt that in confiding, their burdens were being lifted up or prayers were being said in a  spirit of compassion - we would have more people we would trust to hold our broken hearts together. 

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. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:12-15 

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