And some of these conversations have been surprisingly disturbing. I have definitely discovered one thing, however. My definition of judgement is much different than most of the people whom I talk to and with. And so, I would like to clarify, if not just for myself, what I mean when I say judgement–and perhaps how I feel people should judge.
What I have found in the past week is that most people do not like to think they “judge” other people and strive to do their best actually not do this. When I first heard this, I fought the idea, as you will see why. The general consensus seems to be that you should not judge someone, because this is “bad.” Allow me to quote a well known authority on judging, God. In this case, specifically Jesus Christ:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Mathew 7:1-5
So, now I begin to understand a little about what people are trying to say. What right do you have to judge someone else if you have problems of your own.
Allow me to retort.
Let us start with a definition:
judgement n. 1. The ability to make a decision or form an opinion. 2. An authoritative opinion. 3. An estimate. 4. A decision reached after consideration.
When I talk about judgement, I am referring to moral judgement that comes from an informed decision based on reason. When a lot of people discuss judgement, they refer to snap, biased judgements. They claim and yell and scream that this is terrible and horrible and then they turn around and do it. I do not place these judgements myself and I would not indulge in the idea that this how people should be judged. However, we, as conceptual beings, have not only the ability, but the need to judge each other. Because you may have a “plank in your eye” does not prevent you from helping someone get their speck out. In fact, it may even help you find your own speck (yup, no planks allowed). My firm belief is that we can help each other grow and help each other learn by talking, discussing, debating, and judging each other.
I do not condemn any person. I do not hold a biased, snap judgement. I do however stand up for what I believe in and help show people things I see as wrong or “opportunities to improve.” And, a lot of times, this helps me soul search into myself and figure out if what I do is right or wrong.
I am not saying this is easy and I am not saying that it is always well received–but it is part of the way we learn and grow together.