To have an opinion is often times bold; however, to have an opinion to have no opinion at all is still an opinion. Not to bewilder, but it makes perfect sense! One can choose not to choose rather than make a choice of no action. To be neutral by choice can be not unlike shades of gray verses black or white. A solid opinion does not necessarily offend; rather, it proves a seasoned mind with a zest for life or perhaps a mindset of confidence!
But to judge in lieu of an opinion……now here is where the true question lies. To have the audacity to infer someone else’s fate takes an insolent personality. Through law a book is followed. One can be blatantly guilty, yet declared innocent through a jury. Society has learned to succumb to this so-called law of the book. If you abide by these rules your life can flow like a river slowly eroding the landscape; make your own rules and well, you chose a path of certainty, unrest and the floodgates will destroy all in its path.
When God laid out his commandments in the Old Testament in Matthew 7 it is made quite clear:
“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.” NIV
A sin is clearly a sin. God does not differentiate between breaking one commandment verses another, yet some people feel the need to declare their sin(s) less sinful than those of others. For example, stealing verses adultery. Though there are emotional reasons for both (let’s hope), does one deserve more punishment than the other?
Take 1 Corinthians 2:15-16:
“The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” NIV
To use people’s sin to lower and belittle them is condemnation especially if the judger does not have the facts and is speaking in malice. Most often, they are lashing out at their own life and the lack of attention, balance, and love in it.
Take divorce. No one, and I mean NO ONE, can ever know the unique circumstances of any marriage. When two people are facing this life event, it is worse than death, some say. Especially a marriage of ten years or more. It must be grieved to find any chance of closure let alone to move forward. A choice to end a myriad of years of investment and to alter the home life of children is a grave matter. Only through prayer and faith can the lives affected remain strong.
Starting a new life is an arduous journey. It can begin slowly or it can mirror that of a thoroughbred coming out of the gate. Fortunately, some learn from their mistakes and can apply the lessons to their new beginnings. A marriage is sacred and life after marriage can have some bizarre twists, but many learn their lessons the first time and choose never to repeat the same mistake.
If two adults cannot befriend each other and support each other through friendship and humor than Godspeed to those who lack the ability and understanding to do so. We forgive them for judging. A person of faith runs the risk of blatant hypocrisy when they lash out and accuse. Are they living a life so pure that they become divine? Have they been given the power to that of which only our Maker can do? All we can do is pray for them as we have been taught to do.
As in Matthew 5:44:
“But I tell you; Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” NIV
Borbi, CTM, B.S. in PR from Eastern Michigan University, avid writer, speaker, leader/volunteer at large nondenominational Christian church, advocate for American Heart Association, survivor of personal life event that has inspired her to share story to help others overcome adversity.