“How dare you judge me!”
This phrase has sparked quite the debate in my mind as I think that this word “Judge” can mean quite a number of things and I think quite often that there is much confusion about the meanings it can take depending on the context. This seems to have quite a bit of nuance in my mind.
An example of one such discussion is I was using the term by way of showing “Good Judgement” and the person I was speaking with thought that I was “Passing Judgment”
After all, when we meet someone, we all make observations and determinations about that person. We decide whether or not we like someone and by how much, whether we trust that someone, and by how much. We listen to how they talk and given enough time we can evaluate whether that person’s actions match their words. This is called exercising good judgement (or just judgement in general)
Once in a while, I will come across a person who has earned my distrust and they will invariably suggest that I am judging them and that I should not do that.
Who am I to judge them?
Well yes, I am… and yes, I should…. It is called having an OPINION. It may not be my place to “condemn” someone. I do believe in what Jesus said about casting of stones. It is not my place to condemn, but it is my right to judge a persons character and decide for myself if such a person is worthy of my company or consideration.
While it may seem contradictory, I believe I can exercise “judgement” about a person and a person’s character without passing judgment.
After all, my opinions can change about a person when I get to know the better. Passing Judgment is for a jury and at the very end… God.