Daily Devotionals
Devotional: 20th of Av
In the same way as you judge others, you will be judged (Matthew 7:2).
The word "perception" has been very helpful to me over the last few years. I have learned to preface very strong opinions that I hold, or occasions of correcting my co-workers, with the words, "I perceive." Before I learned the word "perception," it was easy for people to think of me as a "bull in a china shop." My reputation as an opinionated and harsh person preceded me wherever I went. Then I learned the words, "It is my perception that ..." Such wording softens the strong opinions or feelings I hold and gives opportunity for the other side to evaluate the matter without having their feelings hurt.
The prophet Jeremiah said, "The heart is more deceitful than anything else" (Jeremiah 17:9). When it comes to making judgments concerning people, we must be very careful. We cannot see into another person's heart. Only God can do that. The best that we can do is have a perception. Even when we are forced to make an evaluation, we ought to check twice and even three times with honorable witnesses, and always judge according to the measure of God's grace toward us.
Let us devote time and effort to expressing our perceptions with love and understanding toward our brothers.
...be careful in the way that I communicate my perceptions to others.
JS