Do you people watch? Do you critique what you see or do you just observe? Many times people form opinions about others without ever getting to know them or learning the backstory about them.
If I’m honest, I’ve done so before. I’ve formed opinions of others without getting to know them. I’ve also learned how far off the mark I have been.
When I started working with survivors of sex trafficking I got to know them, their stories and their hearts. I’ve fallen in love with these young ladies time and time again. I’ve grown fiercely protective of them and have become a voice for them. They’ve taught me a lot about judgment.
People are so quick to form opinions or judgments about others without even knowing them, let along talking to them. I have yet to meet a young lady coming out of the sex trade who chose that lifestyle. None of them were fast girls as some like to call them. Their only crime was trusting the wrong person. By the time they realized it, it was too late. They were already being turned out and saw no escape in sight.
Judgment is a very dangerous thing. Jesus didn’t mince words when He spoke about judgment. 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.”
Are you comfortable with the measuring stick you use to judge others? Do you want it used to judge you?
Luke 6;37 puts it this way,
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
So what do you want to experience personally, judgment or grace? I don’t know about you, but I choose grace every time.
According to the Word of God, if I want to receive grace, then I must be willing and eager to extend it. I must refuse to condemn others, and instead extend a helping hand.
We can’t have it both ways. Which way to you choose?
I choose grace Susan. As you know my passion is for those stuck in and coming out of that lifestyle. May God continue to bless your endeavors!!!
Amen, Derek! Great to hear from you.
This is great.
I love to people watch, but sometimes I have to catch myself and ask why I’m people watching. Is it, like you said, to just observe? Or am I critiquing?
I also choose grace, I must choose grace
I want to chose grace too! It’s easy to make the choice in the comment box, but hopefully I make the choice in giving others grace more and more with each day. Thank you for reminding me of that!
I agree with you, McLain. It is easy to say what we will do when we aren’t in the midst of the situation. But what do we do when we’re faced with the choice and no one else is around to watch us? What do we choose in our hearts, even if our words say something else? I, like you, hope and pray I choose grace more freely each day.