Less judgment—more forgiveness

So you watch someone's actions. You listen to their words. You see their life from a distance—and you jump to conclusions about what type of person they are, what political party they support, what their faith life must be like, what their beliefs are, etc. Do you ever do that? Me, too.

And I really don't like that I do that.

We all know that it's wrong (and generally way off base) to judge others. Still, it's so tempting to do so.

We have absolutely no idea what goes on behind the closed doors of someone's home. They may look carefree and problem-free on the outside, but we have no idea about the burdens they're carrying or what they're enduring at the moment. And we surely have no idea of what others are thinking, feeling or believing.

So this is just a reminder to myself—and to you, if you need it—to stop with the judging already. Let's cut each other slack. Let's assume that people really are trying to do their best. Let's operate with a bit more grace and forgiveness. The world will be a better place for it. And we'll be better people for it.