Acts 28:1-2
Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.
Paul and Luke, who is writing from a first-person view, have landed on the island of Malta after a shipwreck on their way to Rome. In verse 2 Luke makes a statement: “The islanders showed us great kindness.”
As Luke and Paul washed ashore they must have been unsure as to what they would find. Maybe there were rumors of how these islanders treated others. Maybe Luke assumed the worst; a fear that is quickly put to rest when there is kindness shown.
How many times do you and I assume the worst about someone? Jesus can tell us not to judge, but let’s face it, we judge people every single day of our lives. And many times the people we judge the harshest are the ones we know the least. We make assumptions about people based on skin-color, lifestyle, where they live and what they drive, the school they go to, the job they have, and the family they come from. We judge people by the clothes they wear and the way the look when we first see them. It seems as though judgment of others in just in our nature.
A quick judgment of others is a tough thing to overcome! But there are two things you can do to help overcome this struggle in life: First, pray for the people you find yourself judging. Prayer is a great way to connect with God, but it is also a great way to connect ourselves with others. It is very hard to dislike and to judge someone you are praying for. And second, make sure that your initial judgments aren’t the ones that you settle with. Be open to getting to know others and discovering whom it is that God has created, and remember that each are created in His image.