Heart Judging

The moment had come. I would have to share the assumptions I had made. The judgments I inflicted on her unknowing heart. 

Every time she contacted me, I judged her motives for doing so. 

“She’s only talking to me because . . . “

The thing is, my judgment and assumptions seemed justified and I didn’t see them as assumptions and judgments. Her motives seemed clear to me. 

But the very real truth is that I absolutely was making assumptions about her motives, and that became clear when I communicated honestly. She shared her heart and my eyes were opened to my judgments.

I have no right to make assumptions about other people’s motives, no matter how clear they seem. 

If you don’t talk to me at church, it is not okay to assume you are a snob.

If you don’t offer me a seat, I have no right to assume you know how much my feet hurt - and that your lack of care is a reflection of your character. 

Jesus says that the words I say flow from my heart. It works in reverse as well. What I don’t say is also a reflection of my heart. 

You are a beloved, chosen child of God just as likely to receive the grace of God as I am. If it is imperative for me to believe those things about me, it is also imperative for me to believe them about you. And treat you with the same grace I expect to receive, by asking when I have doubts about your motives...and communicating openly, honestly, lovingly and directly.