In Matthew 7 we are told that how we judge others is how we will be judged. It goes like this: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

If we could summarize what Jesus was teaching, we are told to judge a person or situation with fair judgement. We don’t always do this because we look through glasses that are influenced by past experiences, environment and learning.

What we really need to do is to look through the same lenses that Jesus looked through. He saw the person and situation for what they were, not for what could be perceived by these past influences.

In today’s world it seems that we are being pulled into taking sides – whether it be concerning political issues or racial issues. There are those who have assumed power who are saying, "join us and trust us," to where we end up judging based upon looking through their lenses.

May we learn to give people the benefit of the doubt and ask the Lord to help us to always be fair. May we look at everyone as potential Christ followers no matter who they are or what they are doing today.