The Catholic Wife - Feel Like Judging?

Feel Like Judging? Pray Instead! (January 8, 2008)

by Rachel Hayden

Matthew 7:1-2
Luke 6:37
Romans 2:1
Romans 14:10
James 4:12
James 5:9

The passages of Holy Scripture above all reference warnings to not judge other people. Yet we, even as Christians aware of Jesus’ teachings, judge with every breath we take. We grumble over what so-and-so wore to the grocery store, the mall, or even to Mass. We look upon the unmarried mother with disdain as she talks about the fathers of her children. We judge our sisters in Christ for not cutting their hair, wearing skirts, not wearing skirts, wearing head coverings, not wearing head coverings, wearing too much makeup, not caring what she looks like, etc. Our very human nature seems to be the uncontrolled urge to make snap judgments upon everyone we come into contact with. I am just as guilty as everyone else. But I have decided, after studying the words of Jesus and placing them on my heart, that it is time to stop! Being charitable instead of hateful can have a profound effect on our very mental psyche. When our heads are filled with positive thoughts instead of negative ones, our outward demeanor changes. If instead of instantly deciding this person is a sinner/tramp/fool, we take a step back and analyze that person’s place in life and circumstances, the urge to judge will be lessened. If all else fails and you feel the need to judge, pray instead. Ask God to grace you with kindness and love. The urge to judge will pass and your prayer life will increase!