Pray Instead

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  -Matthew 7:2

My husband and I were out for dinner the other night. We were kid-free and so thankful for the quiet. No one was hanging on us, we didn’t have to cut anyone’s food, and we could eat without interruption. It was glorious!

After we settled into our meal, I heard some whining from a kid nearby. When it’s not your own it is easier to block out. But the kid was especially loud and obnoxious. I thought to myself “What is that kid’s problem? Why aren’t those parents doing something? Can’t they control their kid?” I could feel my irritation rising as I sat there.

A whisper

It was at that moment that the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart. He asked me to pray for the parents. He reminded me of the many, many times our kids whined when we were out at a restaurant or grocery store. The Holy Spirit also reminded me of the stress I have felt when other people hear our kids complain. I felt many emotions at that moment as I remembered. Those are the moments you do everything you can to get your kids to be quiet so they don’t bother others and so you can have a peaceful meal.

Intercede instead

The irritation within lessened and I found myself interceding for these parents. I had no idea what their day had been like. They may not have got much sleep the night before. They made have had a hard day at work with another co-worker. Their marriage could have been struggling. Maybe they just lost a friend or family member to cancer. This dinner out could have been the highlight of their day.

I need Jesus too

I had no right to be sitting there judging these parents. They were doing the best that they could do. The Holy Spirit convicted and challenged me at the restaurant that night. I am not a perfect Mom and I never will be. I don’t have the perfect kids and I never will. Instead of comparing myself to others so I could make myself look good, I need to get down on my knees and recognize that I need Jesus just as much. I confessed my sin of judgment that night. I committed to building other parents up in my thoughts and words. I also asked the Holy Spirit to help me remember to love instead of being a judge. And to encourage instead of compare.

Let God be the judge

Which parent have you been judging? Is it the stranger at the restaurant? Or is it a friend or family member? Take a hard look at your life and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you who you are judging. I encourage you to let God be the judge. He is the only one who parents have to answer to. Please encourage and pray for other parents instead of judging them. You will feel a lot lighter. I promise.

Heavenly Father, it is so easy to judge others when they aren’t doing something I think they should. Please help me to love instead. Help me to look for ways to encourage other parents instead of pointing a finger. Parenting is hard. I want to cheer others on in my words and actions in this parenting journey instead of tearing them down. Holy Spirit, I need Your help and guidance to do this. Thank You. In Jesus name, Amen.