Don’t Judge, Pray

I love reading The Upper Room. The daily devotions have inspired me for years. One morning I was reading the day’s devotion, and the “Thought for the Day” was about praying for others instead of criticizing them. The author quoted Ephesians 4:32, which instructs us to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave [us]” (NIV). This message hit hard. 

The previous night, I had been upset by a poorly performing employee at our restaurant. She was sluggish, disrespectful, and did not take kindly to correction. In my frustration, I criticized her, condemning her attitude and lack of professionalism. I lobbied for her dismissal, reasoning that she was a risk to the business. I even blamed her for the slight dip in our daily profits. That night, I went to sleep thinking about where we would find a replacement. 

The next morning, I read the day’s devotion about praying for others. The author recounted her difficult relationship with an assistant pastor. She even considered changing church membership. Instead, she started praying for the pastor. It was hard at first, but over time their “interactions became more friendly.” Six years later, they had become very good friends who valued each other’s role in the church. The devotion warned us against criticizing others and to pray for them instead, because “prayer changes us.” The word of God reminds us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. 

I was moved. I regretted my harsh criticism and felt remorseful for wishing for the employee’s dismissal. From that day forward, I changed my attitude toward her. I learned to be more patient with her. And instead of criticizing her, I now pray for her.