Judgmentalism
Judgmentalism is a POV problem.
A “first person” POV problem.
A harmful, “first-person” POV problem.
A harmful, “first-person” POV problem that infects and destroys by:
— Taking away the ability to see beyond my own fears and pain and hopes and aspirations.
— Eliminating the capacity to see others as valuable and worthy of regard. As frail human beings with their own fears and pain and hopes and aspirations.
A word or an action is all it takes to ruin any value I may have added, or any kindness I may have shown. And it has the capacity to destroy the spirit or lives of other people.
Because all that is remembered is the harsh vitriol and condemnation of the judgment.
The only thing left in the aftermath is destruction and hatred.
Discernment
Discernment is a POV problem-solver.
A “first-person” POV problem-solver.
A helpful, “first-person POV problem-solver.
A helpful, “first-person POV problem-solver that comforts and heals by:
— Showing the ability to see beyond my own fears and pain and hopes and aspirations.
— Proving the capacity to see others as valuable and worthy of regard. As frail human beings with their own fears and pain and hopes and aspirations.
A word or an action is all it takes to enhance any value I may have added, or any kindness I may have shown. And it has the capacity to help the spirit or lives of other people.
Because all that is remembered is the caring conveyed in the discernment.
The only thing left in the aftermath is understanding and kindness.
The Change from Judgmentalism to Discernment
The things that help me move from judgmentalism to discernment are:
— Writing down my fears and pain and hopes and aspirations.
— Turning all of those over to God’s care as I ask Him to help me be the person He designed me to be.
— Asking God to change me so that I don’t judge or harm others. But even more, to change me so I don’t want to judge or harm others.
— Praying to see how I affect others, and doing my part to understand them. Doing my best to put myself in their shoes, and giving them the benefit of the doubt.
— Praying that others will be relieved of their fears and their pain. And that God will help them with every aspect of their lives, including their hopes and aspirations.
— Remembering that every human being is just like me – trying to feel safe and loved and cared for and secure.
What helps you change from judgmental to discerning?
Judgmentalism and Discernment – What helps you change from judgmental to discerning? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Great post! As always, you make me think more deeply.
I struggle with judging others and constantly judging myself. I tend to want to hold everyone, including myself, to a very high standard that no one can reach consistently. So, I end up praying (without ceasing) to get a grip and stop thinking about what others are doing. That is between them and God. Then I ask God to help me do what He wants and try to place my focus on Him. Praying for discernment is a separate thing for me.
Thanks for sharing what you do that helps you, Jane. We’re all a work in progress, and I’m thankful for all the suggestions from others.
Great post, Joni! Your point about turning over to God my fears and aspirations and hopes and pain resonated with me, as well as asking God to change me so I don’t want to judge others. I keep praying He will keep my heart tender to Him!
Thank you for your insights, Kim. I appreciate you reading and sharing.
Great words, Joni. I appreciate them and you.
Thanks for reading and sharing, Tim. I appreciate your support. I also enjoyed your blog! 🙂
Thank you for another thoughtful post.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Judy. I hope my post was helpful. 🙂