“We should be rigorous in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.” – John Wesley
What does it say about a person who’s quick to judge and condemn others, but rarely turns the magnifying glass on themselves?
I’m guilty as charged I’m afraid – to some extent we all are.
Far too often, my high ideals leave me in continually judgement when they aren’t met by those closest to me. I have no more right to judge others on what’s right or wrong than anyone else in this world, and yet it’s so easy to fall into that trap day in and day out.
I sometimes wonder if we’re afraid to pass judgement on ourselves – afraid to see the inequities and insecurities that live deep within us all.
For some, arrogance, dominance and avoidance are a means to mask these more uncomfortable feelings. We begin to convince ourselves that we’re actually better than someone else regardless of their situation or circumstance. We revel in having more riches, possessions or intellect than others, as though life were a competition where the winner takes all.
The true character of a person does not lie in the greatness they’ve achieved in the outside world, but rather in their ability to judge themselves before anyone else. That shows incredible strength and humility, which speaks to the very heart and spirit of a person.
I’m not sure what makes any one of us believe we have the right to judge another person. We know very little about the people we meet beyond the superficial exterior they choose to share with us.
Remember, “It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world.” – Thiruvalluvar
Judgements do little but keep us all standing still.
