“I believe that appreciation is a holy thing—that when we look for what’s best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does all the time. So in loving and appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something sacred.” ~ Fred Rogers

Many of us think that judgment is our right.

• We see what others do wrong and, so, we feel justified in putting them in their place.
• We point our fingers at other’s failings.
• We ask, “Why should I forgive them and give them the opportunity to hurt me again?”
• We turn up our nose and think, “At least I’ve never DONE THAT.”
• ” Hmph! This younger generation lacks a viable work ethic.”
• Our attitude: “I deserve only the best.”

A judgmental attitude, one I battle every day, does not reflect God’s love, poured into us, so we can share it with the world. And do you know how I know which side is winning? I just listen to the words that come out of my mouth.

Salvation is not a contest we can only achieve if we pass someone else up and leave them in our dust. God came to earth to save everyone: to die for our sins, conquer death, and prepare a room for those who believe in heaven.

³⁷ “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
⁴¹ “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? ⁴² How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.  (Luke 6: 37-38, 41-42; NIV)