A Mile in Their Shoes

The other day I saw someone in a public setting. If you had seen them, not knowing anything about them, you may have thought that their attitude was a bit rude and snobby - you may have even been offended. The thought had occurred to me as well – but in this case, I did know them and a bit about their life. I happened to know that they were going through some pretty insane stuff and, equipped with that knowledge, knew there was nothing rude or snobby about them. But it made me think of how quick I am to judge negatively.

Its not that there is no place for “positive” judging  ( almost sound like an oxymoron, doesn’t it?)  – Jesus talks about “righteous judgement” and knowing a person by their “fruit” or actions.  Some people do need to be called on their behaviour.

But this is about negative judging – jumping to conclusions, being uninformed and uncompassionate and there is always a tinge of pride, self righteousness and even hate behind it.

So as I said before – it made me think of how quick I am to judge. How do I know what’s going on in that person’s life? How do I know what goes on behind closed doors of anguish and suffering? And so the old saying “Never judge a person until you walk a mile in his shoes”  is filled with wisdom.

God must have thought so too. In an unfathomable move, He stepped down from His throne, through the mass of worshipping, adoring angels , through the galaxies and into this mad world. He walked in our shoes for 33 years before we killed Him and was “in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”  Hebrews 4:15

Do we really believe that Jesus knows and understands what we are going through – in a detailed and personal way? Well, apparently, He does. And that is humbling .. and oh so comforting. 

So let’s be a bit more like Jesus ( always good advice in any situation) and try to understand a bit more before we judge.

It doesn’t cost us anything to give someone the benefit of the doubt and we may end up being a better person (and Christian) for it.

Hbr 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Hbr 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hbr 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.