Thoughts from a Random Mind

Labels

 

“To identify or designate with a descriptive term...

describe or classify.” *

Judging others is a problem nearly everyone, Christian or Non-Christian, has difficulty with. Going hand in hand with judging is placing labels on individuals.  Just by watching another person’s behavior or interaction with others can cause the judging person to figuratively place a neon sign over the head of the subject being judged. They seem to think that they know this individual without any personal interaction.

                  Labels can be hurtful if given with malice intent. In actuality, they can be hurtful if given with kindness in mind yet are misconstrued by the recipient. If we are to emulate Christ in all areas of our lives we must not size up people and assess them based the world’s consensus of who people are. Love and kindness should always lead the way. If you don’t know someone, either introduce yourself and get to know them firsthand or simply leave it alone. Nine times out of ten the person being judged or labeled isn’t known by the offender. 

                  What is the purpose of judging or labelling another person? Have we been manipulated into believing a lie about the person being labelled. I’ve been labelled throughout my life as many things that are simply not at all true. The result has been being rejected by other family members based on lies or half-truths. I’ve been guilty of this sin myself, but understanding that God loves all his creation, I’ve fought hard to banish such ungodly behavior from my heart. It’s a blessing to make new friends and a bigger blessing give everyone the benefit of the doubt rather than judging or labeling people out of ignorance. 

We are called to love all we encounter in this life. We are called to accept all we encounter. We are to treat them just the way we’d like to be treated. If you are unfamiliar with these concepts, seek them out in scripture. Learn what scripture says about living for Christ. It’s so much more rewarding then being negative towards others. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries                                                                                    

* American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 

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