Judgement

Sometimes we are asked to judge others and feel that we are caught in the middle.  It is not a comfortable place to be. 

"Who do you like best, Mom?  Me or Michael?"  "I like you both." "I mean, who easier to bring up?  Me or him?"  "You are both equally challenging."  "But which one of us in this family does what they're told the most, is good the most, an' is most easiest to live with?"  "She chose the dog."
Cartoon "For Better or For Worst

This mom knew how to be a diplomat without taking a stance and becoming judgmental. 

"Do not look for the faults of your friend.  Do not repeat the shortcomings of your neighbors in your talk. You are not the judge of creation.  You do not have dominion over the earth.  If you love righteousness, admonish your soul and yourself.  Be the judge of your own sins, and chastise your own transgressions." 
St. Ephrem the Syrian. 

In other words, we are all imperfect and make mistakes. Who among us is able to judge?  Only God knows what is in each person's heart. We need to give each other the benefit of the doubt. Our words can hurt and degrade or uplift and console.  Our words can be a gift or a punishment. 

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.  Love never ends."
1 Cor. 13: 7-8

"Lord, help me to make time today to serve you and those who are most in need of encouragement and assistance." 
St. Vincent de Paul

Let's make a positive difference in the lives of others and ourselves as we all try to live our lives!