My last blog centered around Covid 19. It is difficult not to focus on the ramifications of the hurt it is causing when it permeates every space of our lives.  In spite of the fact that so many are stepping up and helping others maneuver through this difficult situation, it is leading others to fear the worst and act upon their fears by behaving in ways they normally wouldn’t.  One of those abnormal activities is overbuying of supplies that everyone needs like toilet paper, eggs and hand sanitizer.

About a week ago, I inadvertently found myself with an over-abundance of Tostitos Dippers of which my husband is a fan.  I actually forgot I already had several bags in my cupboard so in my own defense it wasn’t a typical hoarders’ reaction, but I felt a bit foolish and had a little comeuppance moment as I had been very “judgy” of the folks who had bought up the TP and eggs at Publix finding myself with six large bags of chips.  I hesitated to even write about this as I am a bit embarrassed, but I decided it would make a good blog about either judging others or acting out of fear.  I chose the former since that is where I found my transgression in this particular situation, judging others when I, even out of aging forgetfulness and not fear, was guilty of the same thing.  How easy it is to see fault in others and not ourselves.

The bible teaches us to not judge others. In Matthew 7: 1-5 we read the following words: Do not judge, 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.  Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

How pleasant would our world be if we could all follow these words and look first at ourselves and what we are doing before we look at others for their faults? This is just one area in my life where I need to pray for guidance every day and learn to love others unconditionally as the Lord loves us.

Patty