It’s a funny thing about life. It’s easy to judge someone… until you know them.

We were living in close quarters and he really got under my skin. He wasn’t likeable like the others were. He didn’t go with the flow. He wasn’t fun to be around. He had issues. And he annoyed me.

It was easy to judge him.

Then I sat next to him as he poured out his story of brokenness and abuse.

It was easy to judge him…

Until I knew him.

I saw him at his weakest moment. And it changed everything.

I knew the family well and enjoyed their company. But there were some things that bothered me. I was critical of how they approached some things. And it frustrated me.

Then I became aware of their agonising daily struggle with mental illness in the home.

It was easy to judge them…

Until I knew them.

I saw them at their weakest moment. And it changed everything.

I suspect that most of the people I judge are those I have not yet seen at their weakest moments.

It seems odd that it would be so… that weakness would lead to grace.

Perhaps it’s because we see ourselves in the weaker moments of others; . Perhaps it’s because we’re forced to remember our own frailty. That we need mercy in our own weakness. Perhaps it’s because we realise that if God showed such grace to us in our weakness, we must show grace to others.

Perhaps being real and vulnerable with those around us is more important than we think. Perhaps the grace of the gospel would be more obvious in our relationships if we were more willing to open up.

Am I the type of person who is “safe” to be real with? Am I willing to let others see me at my weakest moments? Are you?

Grace to you.

share this article

About Jason Harris

Dr Jason Harris is a writer, pastor, and academic. He has authored multiple books, articles, and papers including his book Theological Meditations on the Gospel. Jason has a PhD from James Cook University as well as degrees in theology, music, accounting, and research. Jason has lived in Cairns, Australia since 2007 and serves as pastor at CrossPoint Church. You can contact Jason at jason@jasonharris.com.au.

Leave A Comment