How was your Christmas? Great I hope! My family doesn’t exchange physical gifts. We eat, laugh, and watch movies all day. I say, it’s Christmas all year long, I enjoy the fellowship more than any gifts. So, I’m not judging if you participate in gift exchanges. 
My mom and I were talking over the weekend about judgment. Honestly, our conversation began at 4 am when she’s bright eyed, full of wisdom, and has the potential to spill over into breakfast. I’m always joking about living in a #NoJudgmentZone but am I really living that way?
My mom was a greeter at her last church. She would be the first face that you saw when you walked through the door. She took pride in treating everyone the same. I mean we were all there for the same purpose, right?
I was convicted when my mom said, “in order to clean a fish you must catch it first.” What area of my life was I too judgmental? I’m sure there’s an easier way to approach sensitive conversations, but do we take the time to talk to people instead of instantly judging them?
I’ve joked before about saying, “Yes, I’m judging.” I think we all subconsciously judge. Whether you admit it or not, we do it. I’m working on loving more, judging less, and if I don’t agree with something to leave it at “my opinion.” 
We can’t force people to live the lives that we want them to live. Everyone’s walk is different. If we constantly lead with a judgmental spirit what do we expect to receive in return?
I am reminded of my first friendship ever. He lived on the same street as me, and years later revealed to me that he was gay. He told me that growing up he knew that my family was aware of his preference but they NEVER judged and he was still invited into our home. Even though I had no idea growing up, he was my friend and nothing else mattered to me. We are still close friends to this day. 
The next time we decide to frown at the gay couple walking into the church, the homeless man asking for change, or the woman that’s strolling at night, let’s think about their story, and how their story can impact another’s life, and help them in the process.