This is such a challenge these days … but there’s a gentle nudge towrda this direction. I believe it’s the Spirit at work.
“One of the hardest spiritual tasks is to live without prejudices. Sometimes we aren’t even aware how deeply rooted our prejudices are. We may think that we relate to people who are different from us in colour, religion, sexual orientation, or lifestyle as equals, but in concrete circumstances our spontaneous thoughts, uncensored words, and knee-jerk reactions often reveal that our prejudices are still there.
Strangers, people different than we are, stir up fear, discomfort, suspicion, and hostility. They make us lose our sense of security just by being “other.” Only when we fully claim that God loves us in an unconditional way and look at “those other persons” as equally loved can we begin to discover that the great variety in being human is an expression of the immense richness of God’s heart. Then the need to prejudge people can gradually disappear.”
~ From Henri Nouwen
I once tried “fasting” from being critical/judgemental for 24 hours. Have you ever tried it? man, it is amazing how many thoughts race through my mind.
It is amazing what happens when one becomes intentionally conscious.
I gave-up sugar for Lent rather than being critical. Thanks for getting me to think.
Peace,
Rick