Something That Irks Me...



I'm not perfect.

I've been faced with a big obstacle the past few weeks. When I was a kid, I was always told you had a choice; there are two roads you can take: the high road, or the low road. I've had to make that choice a lot lately.

Something I've noticed a lot amongst my fellow classmates is judgment. Before I go into my rant, I would like to clarify something:

I am not perfect.

I have never claimed to be perfect.

I have judged people before I even knew them and I still do it to this day.

But I'm working to be better.

Here in the "Bible Belt", kids my age and their families have their religion close to their heart. They read the bible daily, memorize scriptures, they get involved in their youth groups and so forth.

I believe in God. I believe that Jesus died on the cross because

 he loves me.

But I sin every day. And I admit to my sins.

I cuss.

I gossip.

I disrespect my parents occasionally.

And I've some things that I've admitted to myself, but don't want to admit out loud because I am ashamed.

And right now, at this very moment, I know that God still loves me, even after doing all of this.

I know

God is the only one who can judge me, forgive me, and save me.

I believe in this, and I've barely memorized a single scripture.

Okay, Emma, get to the point...

My point is I've seen so many people doing the judging themselves. Doing God's job for him. I've heard people damning others to Hell because they don't attend church every week. Catty girls and hateful "Christians" have spread rumors and harmful words to others about fellow teens, kids who sit next to them at class or at their lunch table, and these people haven't even said one word to that person they're talking so hatefully about. These people literally don't know them whatsoever.

 I know, because I've been that person they talk about.

Why? Why do they believe they know better than God? Christians are supposed to be welcoming and understanding and open-minded and loving. Lately, I've been disappointed in my fellow Christians.

Again, I'm definitely no Saint. But I never said one bad thing about that person. Simply because I have no idea who they are. Is that so crazy?

I have been the one to say the hurtful words, though. I was a person who judged another quicker than you can snap your fingers simply by looking at them. But I've realized how ridiculous this is. It's simply immature. I've learned, and I'm working to better myself.

To those who judge and have no learned:

Stop.

You don't know their story.

That person could be struggling.

That person could be lost in their faith.

That person might not have many friends.

That person may have insecurities.

How would I know?

I've been that person.

But I'm not now.

I would like to shout-out to my wonderful new friends at SFA Youth Group. Without you guys, I wouldn't feel so welcome.

I love our Sunday nights.