Article July 11, 1994 Issue

The view above opinion

Tony Lobl

At one time we were looking forward to a special family gathering. Arrangements were proceeding smoothly until one family member impulsively decided to invite two strangers to join us. Another was unhappy at what she saw as an intrusion on the family affair. Storm clouds suddenly seemed to overwhelm the anticipated happiness of the occasion!

That's when I—at least mentally—took sides. Sensing an injustice in the extending of an invitation without considering others' feelings, I became embroiled in my own judgment of the situation. I spent a lot of time mentally rehearsing how I could let this family member know how I felt.

Finally I found myself alone with him. I was literally in the process of opening my mouth to speak my mind when Christ Jesus' statement that we should "judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24) came to mind. It stopped me in my tracks.

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