There’s a profound wisdom in silence, especially when it comes to judgment. Remember how Jesus, through his actions, taught us the power of withholding judgment?
It’s about giving others the space to be themselves, without rushing to label or critique them.
Jesus showed us that true strength lies not in quick verdicts, but in quiet understanding. And guess what? This silent strength can be harnessed in our everyday interactions.
So, let’s dive into the silent strength of withholding judgment and see what lessons we can glean from Jesus’s actions. This concise piece will explore just that.
1) Lead by example
There’s no greater arena for impact than our everyday human interactions. And here, Jesus’s actions speak volumes about the power of withholding judgment.
Remember, Jesus was known for his compassion and acceptance. He interacted with people from all walks of life, and his approach was never one of quick judgment or condemnation.
This is the epitome of leading by example. It’s about showing others the way, not by words but by actions.
Think about it. It’s easier to influence people when you demonstrate the behaviour you want to see in them, rather than just telling them what to do.
In practice, this means offering understanding and empathy rather than criticism. It’s about listening more, judging less.
Take a leaf from Jesus’s book and lead by example. Show the world the silent strength of withholding judgment through your actions.
Remember though, this isn’t about manipulation; it’s about genuine understanding and acceptance.
2) Personal transformation
I remember a time when I rushed to judgment. It was with a colleague at work who always seemed to be underperforming. Every mistake they made, every deadline they missed, I took as a sign of their incompetence.
But then, I tried to apply Jesus’s teaching of withholding judgment. Instead of seeing them through my critical lens, I tried to understand their perspective. I began to see the pressures they were under, the personal challenges they were dealing with.
This shift in perspective transformed our relationship. The colleague started opening up more, and their performance improved. We even became good friends.
This personal experience taught me the transformative power of withholding judgment. It’s not just about influencing others but also about growing and evolving as a person. It’s about seeing beyond our initial perceptions and understanding the person beneath.
Remember, by practicing the art of withholding judgment, we can influence others in a positive way and also become better versions of ourselves.
3) The Science of Empathy
Did you know that our brains are hardwired to empathize? Neuroscientists have discovered ‘mirror neurons’ in our brains that respond to others’ emotions. When we see someone in pain or joy, these neurons fire up, helping us understand and share their feelings.
This means that when we withhold judgment and try to empathize instead, we’re not just following Jesus’s teachings, but also tapping into a fundamental part of our brain wiring.
Empathy fosters connection, understanding, and ultimately, influence. It allows us to see the world from another’s perspective, to walk a mile in their shoes.
So next time you’re quick to pass judgment, remember the science of empathy. Tap into your brain’s natural ability to understand others and see the profound impact it can make.
4) The ripple effect
The act of withholding judgment doesn’t stop with us. It creates a ripple effect, influencing those around us and even beyond.
When we choose to understand rather than judge, we inspire others to do the same. This choice spreads, influencing our immediate circle and gradually extending outwards, eventually impacting society as a whole.
It’s like tossing a pebble into a pond. The ripples start small but spread far and wide. Similarly, our decision to withhold judgment can start a ripple of understanding and compassion that reaches far beyond our initial actions.
So, remember the power you hold. Each act of withholding judgment is an opportunity to influence not just one person, but potentially many more.
5) Creating a safe space
One of the most influential things you can do is make people feel heard and understood. By withholding judgment, we create a safe space where people feel comfortable to express themselves.
Jesus demonstrated this throughout his life. He made people feel valued, heard, and accepted – no matter who they were or where they came from.
When people feel safe and accepted, they are more likely to open up, share their thoughts, and even change their behavior.
So, strive to create a safe space in your interactions. Show others the respect and understanding you’d want in return. You’ll be surprised at the influence you can have when people feel truly listened to and accepted.
6) The power of grace
Withholding judgment isn’t just about understanding others, it’s also about offering grace. Grace is kindness we extend to others, even when we feel they may not deserve it.
Think back to Jesus’s actions. He was known for extending grace to all, regardless of their circumstances or past actions. This wasn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to his strength.
Offering grace is powerful. It breaks down barriers, heals wounds and builds bridges. It allows us to influence in a way that is filled with love and compassion.
So remember, when you feel the urge to judge, instead try to offer grace. There’s a silent strength in it that can move mountains.
7) The journey of self-improvement
I used to struggle with being overly critical of myself. Every mistake, every perceived failure, was met with harsh self-judgment. This habit not only affected me but also those around me. It created an environment of negativity and pressure that wasn’t beneficial to anyone.
When I began to apply the principle of withholding judgment to myself, things started to change. I learned to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding that I was learning to extend to others.
This shift had a profound impact on my relationships. People started responding differently, becoming more open and comfortable around me. I realized that by treating myself with kindness, I was setting a standard for how others were treated in my presence.
This journey taught me that withholding judgment starts from within. When we learn to be less critical of ourselves, it naturally extends to those around us.
8) The gift of time
Withholding judgment also means giving others – and ourselves – the gift of time. It’s about resisting the urge to label or categorise based on initial impressions, and instead allowing for growth and change.
Jesus’s teachings remind us that people can change. No one’s past mistakes or current shortcomings define their entire being or their future.
By withholding judgment, we create room for improvement, for growth, for change. We give people the chance to learn from their mistakes, to evolve and become better versions of themselves.
Remember, quick judgments can close doors. Withholding judgment keeps them open, creating opportunities for positive change and influence.
9) The essence of love
At its core, withholding judgment is an act of love. It’s about seeing the best in people, about believing in their potential, about accepting them for who they are.
Jesus showed us that true love is patient, kind, and free of judgment. It’s about lifting others up, not tearing them down.
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: when we choose to love instead of judge, we embody the silent strength that Jesus taught us through his actions. This is our most powerful tool for influence.
Final reflection: The power of restraint
The capacity to withhold judgment is not just an act of self-control, but a profound expression of understanding and compassion.
This principle, echoed in Jesus’s actions, holds a quiet strength that can significantly impact our relationships and interactions. It’s about creating environments of acceptance, fostering empathy, and inspiring change.
Consider the words of James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of withholding judgment – listening more, speaking less, and delaying anger.
So whether it’s in your personal life, your workplace, or any social interaction, remember the power of restraint. Each time we choose to understand over judge, we are not only influencing others but also shaping a more compassionate world.
As you go about your day, reflect on this silent strength. And remember, sometimes the most powerful action you can take is to withhold judgment.
