"The Weight of Judgment: Why Are We So Quick to Condemn?"

In today's world, people often find themselves passing judgment swiftly, sometimes with little understanding or context. But why is this the case? Why do we think we know what someone else is going through, as though we have lived their experience or shared their thoughts?

I was judged. why? Now that's trauma...

One reason could be the human tendency to simplify complex situations. It’s easier to make assumptions about someone's life rather than diving deep into the intricacies of their pain, struggles, or thoughts. When we see someone suffer, it’s common to think, "They’ll get over it," or "It’s not that bad," as if healing from emotional pain is as simple as forgetting it. But for those who suffer, the past is never truly past. It lingers like a shadow, affecting their thoughts, feelings, and actions long after the original wound was inflicted.

Empathy, in its truest form, is a rare skill. It requires understanding that no two people experience the same event in the same way. What might seem trivial to one person could be life-altering for another. Yet, many people rush to judge without realizing the depth of someone’s emotional burden.

One of the most difficult and often misunderstood experiences is mental anguish. When someone reaches the point where they consider ending their life, it's often met with disbelief and criticism rather than empathy. "How could they?" people ask. But it takes immense courage to wrestle with such thoughts, let alone carry them out. It’s a desperation born out of unbearable pain, and the lack of a safe space to express that pain.

For many, the fear of being judged or misunderstood is so strong that they choose silence over vulnerability. The world tells us to "be strong" or "move on," but this often feels like an impossible task. Bearing the pain in silence may feel safer than exposing oneself to judgment or rejection. But this silence, too, is a heavy burden.

Ultimately, we must learn to withhold judgment, to recognize that each person’s struggles are unique and that sometimes, the best thing we can offer is simply to listen. Healing comes not from ignoring the past but from understanding it—and from offering compassion rather than condemnation.

Thank you

God Bless Us All

Jacob M