hidden things, mercy and judgement

We all have them:

hidden parts of our lives

because some things are

too hard

too private

too revealing

too hurt filled                    

too humiliating

too burdensome

too embarrassing

too overwhelming 

too uncomfortable

to share

and those things are part of what shapes us,

what influences our behavior,

what motivate us.

They are not an excuse to say 

"that is just who I am"

or

"that is the way I was raised"

or

"that is the way I have always done it".

If there is anything we need to change,

anything we need to let go of,

anything we need to embrace,

then change,

let go,

embrace.

But do it for the right reason.

The next time

you feel yourself being judged

remember there is only One we answer to

and the one you are being judged by is not that One,

and if you feel yourself slipping into being one who judges

remember there is only One we answer to-

and you are not that One.

This is a call for mercy-

for taking into account that we do not know 

the hidden parts of our fellow brothers and sisters lives.

"So speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgement is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement."

James 2:12-13

"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"

James 4:11-12