the judging criteria.

Today’s Gospel. From Luke 6:36-38.

“Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap; because the standard you use will be the standard used for you.”

I guess, things always boils down to the golden rule, “don’t do unto others, what you don’t want others to do unto you.” It sounds true though. Maybe, it’s because what goes around, comes around. but, those just sound waaay to cliche. Instead… i was thinking, perhaps, how we perceive others is a reflection of who we truly are. Our opinions of others is not much about that person but more about us – the person assessing and evaluating it. It shows how we think, how we feel, and what’s inside our head. Think of American Idol, the one who brings home the title at the end of the day doesn’t mean that he/she is the best, it just means he/she is the most preferred by the masses. Hence, eventually, this makes the whole competition more about the people’s preferences than the artists’ talent. Similarly, the more we think someone is greedy or selfish, the more it shows how we want something else too. The more we deem someone as ugly, it also reflects how ugly we are inside. The more we envy someone or hate someone, the more it shows the darkness and insecurities we have inside us. After all, it takes one to know one, right? If you think about it, who gives us the right to judge or to condemn someone? Aren’t we just as fallible and imperfect as the next person? Aren’t all of us created by the hands of God – He who makes every imperfection justified with a reason. So, before you judge someone else, look at yourself first. Are you really any better? If you view things with prejudice and skepticism, maybe you are just like everyone else… or, maybe even worse. Ouch. Well, if you do not want to be judge, then, don’t judge. instead, strive to be a better version (one that doesn’t judge). Maybe you can start by changing your view of the world. Be sympathetic, open-minded, and compassionate. Because, at the end of the day, the only person judging you might just be yourself.