Judging Others
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
-Luke 6:37 (NIV)
IN my 24 years as a police officer, I have had many opportunities to see people at their worst. I often find myself angry or feeling hostile toward people who have chosen a lifestyle that I do not consider acceptable. On these occasions, I try to remember that all human beings are made in the image of God and it is not for me to stand in judgment. I try not to judge other people even if they are rapists, murderers, or child molesters.
Police officers, as well as others, can be quick to form opinions of people and their situations. We look at the alcoholic, the homeless person, or the drug addict and wonder, How did this person get into this situation? I often remind younger officers not to condemn people who are less fortunate than we are. We do not know what path in life or what misfortune brought them to such sad circumstances. And we do not know how God is at work in their lives.
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PRAYER...
Almighty God, help us look at all people as your beloved children. Teach us not to judge others, because only you have that right. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY...
Those we most want to condemn are also beloved children of God.
PRAYER FOCUS...
Law enforcement officers
