Our Lord’s admonition that we not judge one another so as not be judged ourselves, is one we find difficult to heed. Almost at every moment we are making judgments and assessments—some necessary, others not. Judging the breaking distance required while approaching a red traffic light is necessary, but judging the motives of a brother or neighbor is often not required. The problem with doing so is that we can easily misconstrue a person’s intentions by basing them on what we might do or intend under similar circumstances. This occurred with Joseph’s brothers who feared that after their father’s death, Joseph would exact vengeance on them. Sometimes, like them, we are pleasantly surprised that our judgments and expectations are unfounded and that someone responds to us in unexpected and positive ways. And although misjudging and expecting the worst from others doesn’t effect a self-fulfilling prophecy, we could all spare ourselves a lot of inner turmoil and make a positive outcome more likely by simply withholding judgment and allowing ourselves to be surprised!
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