“Is this zebra black or white?” the safari guide in Tanzania asked us while pointing to a zebra in a huge herd in front of us. After a moment of consideration, I confidently stated “white,” since, in my opinion, the stomach is mostly white. My friend was of the opinion that the zebra is black since the nose is black. The safari guide grinned and retorted, “ You are both right. The zebra is black and white; the one complements the other.”

“Do not judge other people,” Jesus said.

Matthew 7:1

We tend to put events, situations, and people in a box and to pass judgments. We see one single exterior thing and judge the whole person according to this one thing. But it is not our job to judge others. Life has its own daily pressures.

I experience God as my counterpart, who reaches out to me with love and openness right where I’m at. He doesn’t condemn me; he listens to me and takes me seriously. Through Jesus Christ, God himself came to earth, not to condemn us, but rather to help us.

Since God reaches out to you in love, you can also interact with other people as your equals and with openness instead of condemning them.

With Jesus you can encounter others in love. Are you ready for that?

Relevant Scripture: Matthew 9:10-13