By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are

By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor who lived during the tumultuous years of World War II, understood the dangers of judging others and the importance of extending grace to all. In his writings and teachings, Bonhoeffer emphasized the need for humility and compassion in our interactions with others, recognizing that by judging others, we only serve to blind ourselves to our own faults and shortcomings.

Bonhoeffer believed that when we judge others, we are essentially placing ourselves in a position of moral superiority, which can lead to a sense of self-righteousness and a lack of empathy towards those we are judging. This attitude not only hinders our ability to see our own flaws and weaknesses, but it also prevents us from extending grace and forgiveness to others who may be struggling or in need of support.

By focusing on the faults of others, we fail to recognize the common humanity that we share with them, as well as the grace and forgiveness that we ourselves rely on. Bonhoeffer understood that we are all imperfect beings in need of grace and redemption, and that by extending grace to others, we are also acknowledging our own need for grace and forgiveness.