Don't Judge People by their Past, There is Hope!

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Don't Judge People by their Past, There is Hope!

By Dickson Tumuramye 

If we were to depend on our past personal records to qualify for any life achievement, most of us would be good candidates for hell, said my friend. You can't judge people by their past; anytime, anywhere, things can change for better. Instead of judging them by their past, stand by them and help repair their future.

There is a man the mother named Jabez and she said "I gave birth to him in pain." But one day Jabez cried out to God, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request (1 Chron.4:9-10). That was the end of his miserable life, pain and bad past. 

You too could have been born and lived in hopeless life, very painful situations, struggling at every stage of life up to date. The past has been as bad as the day Christ was crucified; ever dark for you. But on the same cross, that's where Jesus was able to gain victory and fulfill His sent mission. Joseph who was once betrayed by his very own brothers and sold to slavery because he was judged "a dreamer", imprisoned for the case he never committed because he was judged "a rapist" by Portiphar’s wife; one day he became a Prime Minister in a foreign land. Truthfully, you can't forget your past but dwelling on it is the worst; just loss of hope for nothing.

Friends, never judge someone on their past because they are no longer at that stage in their life. Don’t write him/her off and declare them hopeless either because of their failures/weaknesses or disappointments. Everyone deserves a second Chance. “There is hope for those who are still alive—it does not matter who they are. But this saying is true: A living dog is better than a dead lion.” (Ecclesiastes 9:4ERV). 

Before you judge someone, have you taken time to know why they behave in a particular manner? Has it ever crossed your mind to talk to such person? What have you done before nickname him/her according to the past? What if it were you charged, how would you cope up for what you don’t have crew about?

If you are being judged, take heart. Focus on God because He has good plans for you to prosper you and give you a good end. The past can never define your future; your self-inner man, self-determination, awareness, discovering the unique potential you have can help you overcome your past. Avoid living in self-pity, dwelling much on the negative side of your life and judging yourself as a failure. 

All of us have our own "thorn in the flesh" but that can't stop you from dreaming about a better future. Life is what you make it. You are the first person to give yourself peace and stop any contamination in your life. 

The writer is a child advocate and a parenting coach.

tumudickson@gmail.com

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