We are often reminded not to judge. But how often do we really do that?
Or how often can we stop doing that?
Whenever we see something that we thought is not supposed to be, we judge.
When we see something that we dont like, we judge.

It is probably so difficult to not judge.
Vegeance belongs to the Lord. Let the Lord judge, and we'll not be judged in the same way.

After what i seen and experienced over the last few days, i really felt that COMMUNICATION is soooooooooo important. Communication is not about talking and hearing. It's about listening, and not just listening to the words that is being spoken out of the person's mouth. But also, listening with the tone, the heart and intention of the person.

What may just be a joke, may seem to be so serious to another.
What was communicated with an intention could be perceived by another in a totally different manner. And that's why, misunderstanding and judgment comes about.

It is so important to know a person. When you truly know a person, and know his/her character, you know what he/she said... is not what you think it is. I always believe in listening with my heart. My ex-leader can be so harsh with his words. He can say things that you'll be hurt forever. He may put things across in a way you just don't like it. BUT.. if you truly know where he is coming from, you will not blame him, neither will you be angry with him. Because, you know... deep now.. what came out of his mouth, is not what he really meant. He had meant it with care and concern and he had meant it for your own good.
Through him, that's where I learnt, we don't take in 100% what we hear/listen with our ears.
Many times, it has to be put through a filtering process to know the heart of the person who is talking to you.
Of coz, this is only possible if you have a relationship with the person.

Same with God. If we truly have a relationship with God, we'll know that things that God wants us to do/not do, is not because He meant to harm us, stop us from enjoying what we think is cool or nice. But, if we truly understand the heart of God, we'll know that whatever have been written in the Bible, is for our own good. We may not be able to see it now, for our thoughts and ways are not higher than His. But in time to come, we'll know... it is all because of God's sovereignty, that He kept us alive and brought us to where we are today.

Well, ultimately, it still falls back to having a relationship with the person you are COMMUNICATING with, and knowing the heart/intention of the person...
Without all these... misunderstanding, misinterpretation will take place.. and that is where.. judgment falls.. upon innocent parties......

Judge not, lest you be judged...
I'm also learning... to be more gracious.. to see things from other's point of view....
We're all not perfect.. but we learn... we give people chances.
Someone with a bad past/history doesnt mean that person can never change.
If God can forgive us for ALL our sins, as long as we are repentant, what more us to judge and not forgive?
Who are we to say that this person is NO GOOD?? Who are we??
Please for goodness sake.... give people a chance to turn over a new leaf..
Isn't that what Christianity is all about?????????????????????????????

-RacheL- blogged @ 5/29/2007 10:37:00 AM