Show Empathy
In Matthew 7, Jesus taught his disciples about the danger of judging others by our standards. He warned us not to judge others, which is to form an unfair opinion or come to a conclusion about someone, which is unreasonable. Jesus said that we would be treated in the same way that we treat others and the same standard that we use to measure others, will also be used to measure us. “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye” (Matthew 7:3)? Jesus was saying that we need to start with our own self examination. In other words, don’t be so quick to point out weaknesses and failures in others, when we have our own weaknesses. Jesus called this hypocrisy and warned us to work on ourselves first, before we can be deemed as qualified help someone else.
Paul shared a similar teaching in Galatians when he said, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). He was saying in essence, that how we speak to others, how we treat people and talk about them, will be the result of what we will experience. He warned us not to sow to the flesh and not to give into these desires. Some of the desires of the flesh include gossip, back biting, being critical and judgemental. He wanted us to continue to do good and not to get tired of doing the right thing. Moreover, we are to do good, especially to those who are Christians. Earlier in the chapter he spoke of the importance of bearing each other’s burdens. If we notice that someone is struggling with sin, those who are stronger should restore the person in love.
As we help to restore others, we have to be careful not to fall into the same sin and errors. Paul wanted us to maintain a reasonable estimation of ourselves, so that we don’t deceive ourselves. “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (Galatians 6:4). Paul was well acquainted with his own failures and shortcomings. He spoke of wanting to do the right things at times, but finding himself doing wrong. He was cognisant of the fact that he could not do anything good on his own. It takes the grace of God and the strength of Christ in us to live right and to walk in righteousness. Our own righteousness is like filthy rags before God. Judgements and opinions are often formed by our own values, ideas and experiences.
The challenge is that these judgements can be formed by our perceptions of a situation. This can be done without the complete understanding of what is behind a person’s actions. It is a lot easier to focus on the faults on failures of others, because it takes the focus off our own shortcomings. The challenge with this is that it can become a habit and can make us critical, judgemental and hypocritical. The next time we see someone in an error, we need to ask, what could be behind their behaviour. What hurt or hang up is this person trying to work through? Is this person struggling with a habit that has become a spiritual stronghold and do they need prayer and counselling to break that habit? We need wisdom to support people who are struggling, so as not to cause further harm or emotional damage.
“We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages. View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
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