Embrace the Gray

How would you describe the way you process information? Do you think of yourself as more curious or judgmental? Ted Lasso, a beloved character from the television comedy-drama of the same name, said, “Be curious, not judgmental.” in the iconic ‘Dart Board’ episode. His wisdom encourages us to take a look at how judgmental people tend to form opinions about others without fully knowing them because they lack the curiosity to ask good questions. Asking questions would provide valuable insight and information about the person. This system falls apart when we mistakenly think we know and understand people simply by our first impression and lack the wisdom to be curious about what makes them ‘tick’ and learn about who they are.

In our current electoral voting system and subsequent outcomes, people tend to label those on the other side of their ideological perspective as friends or foes. Many of us have been misjudged and disrespected for what others assume we believe before they bother to ask us where we stand on various political or spiritual issues. Has this been your experience? Have you felt this way?

The problem with black-and-white thinking is that it leaves no room for the gray areas that always come into play! Matthew 7:1-2 warns, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Pride has a way of distorting the way we see others. For those of us who tend to be all-or-nothing thinkers, perhaps we need to consider that there’s more going on inside a person than meets the eye. Might I suggest we all endeavor to become more curious and less judgmental so we can allow others to let us get to know them before we put who we think they are into a box?

Let us Walk in His Way.

Dear all-knowing Heavenly Father, the Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 16:7b that “man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” Father, help us to embrace the gray and choose to care enough about others that we become curious about who they are before we begin to make snap judgments. Perceptions made in the flesh can mislead us, so please remind us to love one another because You first loved us.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel

author of “Walk in His Way” for

Carry the Light Ministries