How can you stop being judgmental toward others? The Scriptures warned us to not judge or we may be judged the same way we judge others (see Matthew 7:1-5). This biblical teaching warns us that it’s not a good practice to judge other people. Whether it is comforting or enjoyable to judge others, being judgemental will not help your life become better. In fact, it could make it worse. It may destroy your relationship with others, including the people who are close to your heart.
Moreover, being judgmental is not only about telling people how ugly or poor they are, but it also involves treating them that way without even saying a word. In other words, being judgmental is not only about what you say but also about how you behave toward other people. For example, if you’re avoiding a friend because you are thinking that he’s bad, you are also judging him without even saying a word. And judging in silence is even worse than judging in words.
The habit of criticizing other people for what they lack is not healthy. If you think you are already developing this kind of habit, do something to overcome it before it affects your life and the lives of other people. Here are 12 ways to help you stop being judgmental toward others.
1. Realize that we are not perfect.
We all make mistakes. We all have deficiencies. So do not jump on judging others when you notice their shortcomings. Understand that like them, we also have our own shortcomings, and you don’t want to be judged just like the way you judge them.
2. Know that judgment is for God to do.
Be aware that judgment can only be done by someone who is perfect, God. And this is also done at a perfect time. Hence, stop being judgmental because it is not your job to tell other people how imperfect they are. Everything will be judged at the right time, at the right place, by the right judge.
3. Judge yourself, not them.
Instead of finding flaws in other people, focus on finding flaws in yourself. This will help you discover your weaknesses and have more opportunities to strengthen them and make yourself a better person. Rather than spending your precious time criticizing other people, concentrate on your personal development.
4. Be more empathetic.
Put yourself in others’ shoes. If you will only feel and understand what others have been going through, you wouldn’t judge them. If you will only realize the time and effort that others have sacrificed to produce something, you will appreciate them. Know that when you judge people, you might also be hurting them. So don’t be someone who breaks people’s hearts.
5. Help them rather than judge them.
Instead of criticizing other people for what they lack, why not help them? If your partner, friend, or family member is always short of your expectations, give them support instead of judging them. Guide them, inspire them, and help them overcome their weaknesses. Show them not only empathy but also compassion by helping them find solutions.
ALSO READ: 20 Ways to Show Compassion to Others
6. Know them better.
Spend more time to know and understand other people better. Do not be hostile to them. Approach them, talk to them, listen to them, and get to know the stories of their lives better. When you know them deeper and you know their whole story, you may realize that they’re not really what you think they are.
7. Think that your loved ones might be judged too.
When you judge others, the people you judge will most likely judge you back. They will target not only you but also your family and loved ones. You don’t want your family and other people who are close to you to be judged too, do you?
8. Mind your own business.
Being judgmental will drain your time, energy, and productivity. You will have lesser quality time to spend with your loved ones, studies, career, or business. Do not sacrifice your time with that habit just to get some comfort or entertainment. Remember that it comes with a price. Hence, spend your time and energy wisely.
9. Stop the hate.
One of the main reasons why someone becomes judgmental toward another person is hatred. When people hate, they tend to only see the negative side of a person. Stop being judgmental by getting rid of hatred in your heart. Be kind so that you may see the good side of others and refrain from judging them.
ALSO READ: 10 Ways to Stop Hating and Start Loving
10. Be humble
Another top reason why people become judgmental is their pride. When they feel superior toward other people, they only want to see the weaknesses or deficiencies of others. Their minds are closed to things that can make other people surpass them. To stop being judgmental, practice humility. Treat others as your equal so you may accept them rather than judge them.
11. Get rid of envy.
Being judgmental may also come from envy. When people are envious or if there is bitterness in their hearts, they will not let others be better than them. They will say anything or do anything to pull them down. If you want to stop being judgmental, don’t let yourself be consumed by envy and bitterness. Be happy and grateful for everything that you have. Be content and get rid of envy in your heart.
12. Love them.
Last but not least, show them love. Love your spouse, children, parents, friends, neighbors, and even your enemies. If you will love others, you will not judge them, because love is kind, patient, understanding, humble, hopeful, and faithful.
Conclusion
We should stop being judgmental toward others to stop spreading hate and negativity in this world. We can do it by showing humility, kindness, and compassion to other people. Let us get rid of pride and hatred in our hearts. Let us fill it with love. Let us love one another so that we may understand one another and appreciate one another. Finally, if you truly believe in God, you should not judge others, because you know that the act of judgment is not for you but for God.
ALSO READ: 7 Ways to Stop Being Emotionally Immature
