Letting go of judgement

I remember first hearing the idiom: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I was eleven years old, sitting in my school’s library, captivated by my English teacher, Mrs Dandridge, as she earnestly spoke about the joy of reading. She delved into this concept, whose roots strongly intertwine with the vibrant world of English literature from the late 1800s, flourishing amid a rich tapestry of ideas and creativity. Mrs Dandridge, with her specs balanced lightly on the tip of her nose, shared a little secret about books, reminding us that the most captivating stories often hide behind the plainest covers, worn and weathered from countless readings. This lesson resonated deeply with me, igniting a curiosity that still fuels my love of books today and informed my belief that: “It’s what’s inside that counts.”

After the lesson, she gave me a stack of Jane Austen novels, and I started by reading Emma. The central message resonated with me: as Emma overcomes her pride, she learns the value of trusting others and refraining from meddling. Her journey highlights the importance of understanding, compassion and respecting others’ choices. As I wander through my local bookshop, I often find myself drawn to the bright and colourful covers. However, I’ve learned to tread carefully. It’s easy to get swept away by bright things. In my mind’s eye, I hear: “All that glitters isn’t gold.” 

We live in a fast-changing world, but, comfortingly, the same truth applies as truth doesn’t change. However, our perception of it does. One of Jesus’ most transformative teachings is his profound command to refrain from judging others. This command inspires us to rise above our judgments and embrace the power of compassion and understanding. In Matthew 7:1, Jesus beautifully states: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This verse serves as a vital reminder to exercise caution in passing judgment on others, and also encourages discernment infused with love and empathy – offering hope for a more compassionate world.

There is a societal need to embrace the essence of “Don’t judge a book by its cover” – a sentence that invites us to look beyond the surface to uncover the true nature of people, places and things. It’s a call to open our minds and hearts, to let go of our preconceptions and to allow God’s truth to reveal itself. How limited would life be if everything were predictable? 

In God, I discover truth, experience wholeness and recognise the goodness in people. In that same spirit, summer offers a chance to embrace the great outdoors, dive into the sea and embark on long walks, appreciating the beauty that surrounds us, just waiting to be discovered. Perhaps a modern interpretation of judging a book by its cover is to remember: don’t judge a person by their social media presence but rather express genuine kindness to all. No amount of emojis can warm a person’s heart, whereas genuine sincerity and authentic connection can. By judging less, we learn to forgive ourselves more and are guided toward a more compassionate and understanding way of life through God’s love.

Loving and forgiving God, may you fill our hearts with tranquillity and hope, 

Guiding our thoughts away from

pain and sorrow  

towards togetherness and love. 

Lord, may we see the divine in one another. 

As we grow in wisdom, may we align ourselves closer to your heavenly Spirit. 

Please guide us in everything we do.

Father of light and compassion, grant us discernment in trusting your plans. 

Open our souls eternally to the truth and mightiness of life. 

Let us not be burdened by the judgment of others, for you, O Lord, 

our source of life and guidance, are the only true judge.

In you we trust, and in you, we surrender.

Heavenly Father, open our hearts with humility and forgiveness.

For when we face adversity, may your light strike strength within us,

that we may always stay true to your word and your truth.

Amen.