Jenny Knipfer–Author

Why do some people feel they have the right to comment on our lives, work, or actions, like they stand so much taller than us or are somehow superior? I hate that, and I never want to be that person. 

If I don’t know someone well or have a relationship with them and a place to honestly speak from, who am I to say what they should do, how they should be? I don’t know the circumstances of their life or actions, I can’t see all the issues, and I don’t have all the answers. 

Words to reflect on:

I often reflect on Jesus’s words, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7 This speaks of self-righteous judgement. It’s so easy to grumble, complain, and gossip about the lives of others, and many people easily fall into condemning others, not realizing the choices they’ve made are just as bad. 

I’ve been the recipient of this in my own life lately, and it has caused me some grief. I had a minor meltdown from words flung at me via a messaging application online, which left me sideswiped. In this instance someone picked apart my work, judging it, and erroneously pointing out “mistakes” that editorial-wise are simply not there. 

I should know better:

By now, I should know better than to let short-sighted people get the better of me, but these incidences help solidify my resolve in not acting in a similar way. I want grace to be my first response, acting with kindness and understanding toward others. I’d rather be known for kindness than saying my piece, getting the last word in, or pouring out my opinion. 

Rather than a sharp word or condemning thought, show kindness instead of prickles to someone today. It might be someone who you’ve struggled with, not agreed with, or had words with. Maybe they don’t even deserve your grace, but thank the Lord that we don’t get what we deserve. We’re all guilty of something. 

I desire to strive to choose kindness, today and tomorrow and every day after that. I hope you want to do the same. Your life and everyone’s around you will be better for it.

Thanks for reading!

Blessings, J