All of us struggle in judging others. We judge someone’s actions or behaviors, whether it’s how they drive, or the clothes they wear. Judgment comes fast and easy.
Jesus said, “Do not judge.” (Matthew 7:1-5). Paul says it this way – “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another”- Romans 14:13. Paul is saying that followers of Jesus often have strong opinions and disagree about matters of preference. There are many opinion-based matters that we easily judge, whether it’s politics, social issues, or how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is growing conflict in the church regarding COVID-19 as well. Some are happy with simply following the orders from the health authorities and some are not. Some applaud the use of masks while others despise those who do. Some judge others on the mask issue as being either soft or reckless. Let me encourage you to choose kindness and grace and refuse to judge one another.
I want to share what I personally experienced while having COVID.
To be honest, this is the worst thing I have ever experienced in my life, and almost didn’t make it. While being bedridden, I received text messages from my friends and family. Thank you for the love. Here is what caught me off-guard. The judgment I experienced from some. Before asking how I was doing, they promptly needed to know whether I am vaccinated or not.
The saddest part is this, dependent on how I answered determined their response of either compassion or judgment. It’s almost like my vaccine status determined whether they wanted me to get better, whether they would still love and accept me. It’s almost like some felt I deserved being that sick as they assumed I was unvaccinated. COVID kills people - a person almost died... I almost died.
Vaccine status should not determine our love or our compassion for people. Our first question should not be about their vaccine status but should be: How are you doing? How can I help you? Can I pray for you and your family?
Let us not judge others because their decisions might be different than ours. Let our first question and action show love not judgement. Let us as a community serve and help all of those in need.
