More Than The Worst Thing You've Ever Done

Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it… But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? - James 4:10-12

We can see and name what people do. We can see and name the effects of their actions. However, what is God’s and not ours is to judge, to presume to know, their heart - their whole person.

Think of someone who filled out their ballot differently than you. If you’re honest with yourself, you might think that is one of the worst things they have ever done. I’m not here to argue with you about that.  I’m not here to talk you out of your feelings - they’re real and important. But is there a way to hold your convictions, to not shame yourself for your feelings, and still not to judge their whole person?

Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, tells the story in his book, Just Mercy - about his work with a prisoner on Death Row named Herbert Richardson who was convicted of murder in 1978 and executed by the state of Alabama in 1989. Herbert, who was a, black Vietnam War veteran struggling with severe PTSD was full of shame for his actions, and yet Stevenson spoke to him these prophetic words: “Each of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done.”

The Spirit is asking us, through James and through saints like Bryan Stevenson, us to see others in light of their whole stories, their real humanity, and to feel compassion.

Who is God bringing to mind right now to view in this way? Perhaps it would be appropriate to pray for them and bless them right now.