Life is a highly personal experience. We do not know the depth of an individual. We do not know their feelings, thoughts, perceptions, and the internal conflict that they face on a daily basis. Due to the fact that a person's experiences are solely their own, no one can judge their walk of life. We are a species with an array of personality types. We are all individuals who have endured unique experiences and have overcome different life challenges. If we have never been faced with a similar circumstance or situation, then how are we to critique another person's reactions to life?

There are several reasons why people feel obligated to judge others. Some insists on judging others for the sake of making themselves seem more self-righteous. In order for them to feel good about themselves they compare and contrast their misdeeds, mistakes, and circumstances with those of others. They stratify wrongs on a scale to determine what they believe is worth judging in a condescending way. We wouldn't want anyone to critique us by examining our life choices, circumstances, and conditions, so why would we feel justified in judging someone else by these factors?

In addition to self-righteousness, some people give themselves the authority to judge others in order to alleviate some kind of insecurity within their own mind. Their mentality promotes the idea that if you have done something worse than they have then it gives them the right to look down upon you or to be critical of you. They need to make themselves feel more valuable than everyone else.

Thirdly, many people quest to feel superior. Therefore, they thrive on making others feel inferior. This mentality causes people to judge not only on the basis of character but also in more superficial arenas such as appearance, occupation, and social status. This need to feel superior causes people to separate themselves from others for reasons that are strictly shallow.

It is important to note that there is a difference between judgment and discernment. Discernment is showing caution and can prevent us from making bad choices for ourselves. Discerning is beneficial by keeping us from placing ourselves in circumstances that are not in our best interest. Many religious followers have a judgmental mentality. Instead of helping others and uplifting their cause, they can be very cliquish and focus on uplifting their clique rather than uplifting those who are in need of spiritual guidance.

Lastly, if a person has an issue of judging others, they should take some time to reflect on themselves. They should examine their own heart and mind very closely and consider what they need to change about themselves in order to become a better person. We all too often examine others before examining ourselves. This can distract us from being the best person that we can be.

Learn more about this author, Terri Register.
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