There is an old saying which goes something like this, “Don't judge another man until you've walked a mile in his shoes.” Have you ever really thought about what this means? There is much truth in it. Our culture is one that is quick to judge others. We judge because someone does not look like us, talk like us, or live like us. We judge because they do not wear the right clothes or say the right things. We judge people all the time for every minuscule aspect of life.
The reality is that judgmental attitudes are not only unkind and unfair, but also are very cruel. It is important to consider several things when tempted to judge someone unfairly.
1. Don't judge until you have walked a mile in someone's shoes.
This goes back to the initial quote. Simply put, it means, do not judge someone unless you are literally able to walk exactly what that person is walking in life. If you do not know exactly what that person is experiencing, thinking, struggling with and facing, you should not be judging them. It is that straightforward. This mindset is quite pertinent to today's culture and is one that is worth considering adopting.
2. Consider that everyone has a different background.
It is easy to judge someone because they are wearing clothes that are too small and very outdated – but before you judge consider what the situation might be. Perhaps they are going through a rough time financially and that is all that they can afford. It might be easy to judge because someone seems inordinately shy and withdrawn – but what if they have suffered abuse and now struggle to trust and open up to others? Judging by looks rather than trying to understand the person first is unfair. You never know what background someone may have come from and what pieces of the past may still be haunting them. Background and past affect the present. Be careful not to assume that everyone is just like you.
3. They might be having a bad day.
Everyone has a bad day here and there and that can affect their attitude and actions. Especially if you know someone is having a rough day, be willing to give them some grace and understanding.
4. Remember that they are human too.
Part of being human is making mistakes and failing sometimes. Sometimes mistakes and failures creep into relationships or encounters with others in life. As frustrating as it may be when someone is rude, remember that you have been on the opposite side of that too. It is a natural part of being human. Again, give grace.
5. Forgive.
Because that is what we would want others to do for us too.
