It's easier not to judge

Dawn

I was talking with my mother-in-law this evening and came upon an intriguing thought. It's less stressful now that I'm not expected to judge other people. I know we're all human and still do judge other people even subconsciously - but I mean, not being expected to pigeon-hole individuals into categories. Like my mom-in-law said, it's so much easier just to love people. She's right - that "responsibility" of judging is a heavy one - I'm glad to be rid of it.

Jesus said "you who have not sinned cast the first stone" - there are a lot of things in the bible that are a sin, but who of us hasn't committed one of them? The responsibility of judgment rests with Jesus - when we try to take it on it burdens us.

I think that perhaps even if you do not believe in Jesus or the Bible you might agree with the statement that it is easier to love than to judge.

Your thoughts??

xenawarrior

I think that perhaps even if you do not believe in Jesus or the Bible you might agree with the statement that it is easier to love than to judge.

I dunno Dawn. I think judging can become such an automatic response that it's actually easier to do that than to halt that learned mind process. It takes an amount of time to choose the "love" thing instead and to look beyond whatever it is we might have judged automatically. That takes effort. So if it's about what is actually "easier" I think it's probably easier to go with whatever the learned response happens to be.

XW

avishai

It's less stressful now that I'm not expected to judge other people

I think that's the best thing about true x-tianity, it takes judgement away and gives it too God. Not many religions see it that way, tho'.

El blanko

I think judgement is a necessary part of our lives, to help us determine right from wrong and that goes for judging those around us as well. We are enabled to determine our association via our judgement.

Although having said all of that, your "average" witness judges the "world" far too harshly IMO and appears to overlook compassion towards others and instead takes a "holier-than-thou" attitude.

One lesson of the scriptures for me, is that basically our works are generally lacking, regardless, across the board. One can polish the outer shell and stop commiting the obvious sins in this present world, like fornication, adultery, etc - BUT, inwardly we all make errors daily, regardless of our faith or involvement with whichever religion we choose. In that sense, we are all the same and to me there is no division between any of us in that respect.

"Undeserved" kindness applies equally to one of Jehovah's Witnesses, as it does to any other man walking this earth.

Hunyadi

that "responsibility" of judging is a heavy one - I'm glad to be rid of it.
I think that perhaps even if you do not believe in Jesus or the Bible you might agree with the statement that it is easier to love than to judge.I a

I agree. Being a JW means that you are required to judge everyone that isn't a JW, as "worldly", for starters, as if we were so much better or smarter than they. Since I left, I have much more love and tolorance of others, and while I am (we are) all passing judgements about other people at any given time, they are mostly values judgements in my case. I am free of the responsibility of condemning them to death at Armageddon for not being a JW.

Phewwwwww, I am glad those days are over.

Hunyadi

Maverick

The impression I got when I read this was that Dawn was thinking about the passing of judgement or the condemning part of the whole process. And if I am understanding that correctly I do agree. It is not my place or responsibility and I am glad I am not required to blindly except the judgements of others. Especially WTS Elders who have no real training other than being told by a printing corporation that they are "spiritual"! The harm that is done by these bumbling morons is beyond calulation! Maverick, "who just judged and condemned!" Boy that was a lot of work!

Xena

I think a big part of my judging process was trying to make myself feel better about me. I mean really as a dub we constantly compare ourselves to others....field service....talks..comments at meeting...other outward displays of spirituality. The only way you have to feel better about yourself is to judge someone else as not being as "good" as you. At least that was how it was with me.

Now....I don't have to compare myself to anyone, so I feel no need to judge others. And you are right, it's a LOT less stressful!

blondie

JW or not, judging is a human response. If we know that and remember that others could be and are judging us, we can temper that with love and overlook the small things. It's that rafter in own eye. hahahaha

Blondie (recovering judge)

itsallgoodnow

The harsh judgementalism JWs are taught to have lead to frustration, intolerance and anger. I find empathy, compassion and grace are much easier emotions to deal with, they really calmed me down.

Winston Smith :>D

I was talking with my mother-in-law this evening and came upon an intriguing thought. It's less stressful now that I'm not expected to judge other people.
Dawn

This was in the top 5 of reasons of why I left.

I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt.

Having to judge people constantly was emotionaly draining for me.

The toughest part was having to judge my friends who were DF'd. I couldn't be there for them because I had to shun them.

Once I got it in my mind that judging people wasn't something that I could tolerate doing, I went and asked for forgiveness from a good friend who was DF'd. They were so appriciative of me coming up to them as a JW still in good standing and actually talking to them and going so far as to ask for forgiveness form them for my conduct even though they were DF'd. Afterwards, I felt like a 2 ton heavy-weight was lifted off of my chest and I could finally breath again!

It was my first taste of freedom, and I never wanted to go back to living by JW rules after that!

Paul

It's easier not to judge

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