“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.” (Exodus 23:1)
Often times, we are quick to judge someone without even knowing them. We choose to dislike others based on appearance or based on what others have said about that person.
I recall years ago, I started a new job. During training, I was warned who not to associate with and who I should try to get in good with.
There was one person in particular who had a reputation of being holier than thou, stuck up, and a snitch. For months, I tiptoed around this person, thinking it was best for both of us. Until one day, she approached me and said (in a sincere voice) “You always look so sad, are you okay?” I didn’t even know how to respond to her. I was completely caught off guard. My first instinct was to respond with sarcasm, but I couldn’t. I responded with a smile and said “Yes, I’m fine.” That was the start of a beautiful friendship. She has been there through thick and thin, ups and downs, she has been a blessing in disguise indeed!
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.(Proverbs 16:28)
It’s funny how you get labeled holier than thou because you know God!
It’s funny how you get labeled stuck up because you mind your own business!
It’s funny how you get labeled a snitch because you’re honest!
On the flip side, I found that the people who warned me as to who to stay away from and who not to trust were the people I couldn’t trust in the end… The people I steered clear from… The people who caused most of the office drama.
How many times have you been warned about another person? Even more important, how many times have you allowed the opinion of that person to stop you from getting to know someone else?
I’m not saying that we must be best friends with everyone. The Bible is clear that “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33). But we should at least make an effort to get to know that person before making an informed decision. Our decision shouldn’t be based on their past, the opinions of others, or their appearance.
There’s often much more to a person than the eye can see. Don’t let judgement in your heart, keep you from receiving God’s blessings!
Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure. (Psalm 101:5)
