Grateful instead of Hateful

Since elementary school, we have all heard the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” and we have been taught by our parents, teachers and the people surrounding us to show kind-heartedness to others. Even though that should be an easy task for us to do every day, so many of us fail, show hatred, and don’t show compassion. There is someone however, who cannot even begin to fathom the idea of judging another person, and who always puts others before himself: Tyler’s Uncle Josh.

Uncle Josh has Down Syndrome so when it comes to other people, he doesn’t even know what it means to judge. No matter what he says, he is wanting to put others first and find a way to make that person smile or laugh. Without even knowing it, he is putting kindness and compassion first and takes judgement off the table.

God tells us in His word repeatedly why we shouldn’t judge one another:

“Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” Romans 14:13

“Do not be judged or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2

“Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

When we judge our peers, family or other people, we are causing a “stumbling block” in their lives. Instead of bringing others down, it is our job to lift them up higher. That is exactly what Josh does when he walks into a room. He lights it up and becomes that sunshine that you needed.

What I love about our God is that He shows forgiveness to me. Instead of taking a tally of the sins that I have committed, He has erased the marks completely because of His unending grace. If God, the creator of the world can show forgiveness instead of judgement, we certainly can too.

When spending time with Josh, he is always saying things with a smile on his face just waiting for a laugh or grin in return. He manifests himself in kindness through all that he does. He shows love and care to everyone in his life because that is how it is supposed to be.

“Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other.” Ephesians 4:2

Without knowing it, Uncle Josh is an example to us all. He demonstrates love, kindness, patience, and would never judge another person for what they look like, how they talk, or the sins that they have committed.

This week, I challenge you to focus on these key attributes. Turn judgement and criticism into empathy and grace. Do everything with a good heart, expect nothing in return and you will never be disappointed. Be the reason someone smiles today and always be full of love. God created us and designed us to be more than hateful, but instead grateful; Grateful for Him and His ways that lead us, grateful for people in our lives that provide an example of how to live, and grateful for the chance to empathize with others and show them through kindness how life is worth living.