“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 AMP

I received very wise words from a dear friend today when I told her I was getting so tired of fighting the incessant attacks of the enemy. She first said that hopefully it would get easier to stop fighting, and when I asked her how to do that, she simply said, “Let go.”

Something that comes very naturally to me is loving people. I’ve got a seemingly endless supply. It is much more difficult to accept and trust love that is coming to me. I am sure this is a big part of why I struggle to grasp the love God has for me. I get lost between what I’m supposed to do to be sure I’m doing my part, and when I’m supposed to back off and let Him step in.

I wonder things like, “How do I know my faith in Christ is solid enough?” Though I feel I’m a believer, I know my thought life doesn’t always serve as confirmation of that feeling. It is very easy to slip into even the most minimal thoughts of judgement: wow, I wonder if she meant for her makeup to be that heavy; look at that dress-it’s not very appropriate for church; what is a girl like that doing with a guy like him. The thoughts can go on and on.

We have a tendency to judge other people when they don’t share our opinions or viewpoints on things…especially things we consider important. However, we quickly forget that it is never our place to judge. It is only our place to love, accept (not condone), and forgive. But doing all of that requires a sound mind and self-control.

If, like me, you’re lacking a bit in that area, perhaps it’s a good time to talk it over with God, and start making a conscious choice to change your mindset. The next time you find yourself judging someone, remind yourself that it’s not your job to do that, and try to see them as God does. Find their beauty, because I assure you, it’s there.