JUDGMENT AND MERCY

Judgment separates and creates distance. In that distance the mind can discern. Once the mind discerns, the appropriate action or inaction can be perceived. Judgment keeps you safe. Judgment lifts you up. Judgment separates. And, of course, when you judge, you can only see in another, what is also true about yourself. You may not believe you are alike to the one you judge, but you are.

Mercy unites and brings closer. In that closeness, the heart loves. Once the heart loves, the appropriate kindness and supportive response becomes apparent. Mercy leaves you vulnerable. Mercy brings you down into relationship. Mercy unites, and , of course, when you live in mercy you can also be merciful with what is still growing and yet unformed within yourself. You may not believe you are alike to the one with whom you are being merciful, but you are.

Judgment without mercy can be cold and cruel. It can speak too sharply, and dig too deeply, for the ones that are fragile .

Mercy without judgment can give warmth where a cold wind is needed. It can allow weakness to prosper, and darkness to flourish.

To carry both 'judgment' tempered by 'mercy', and 'mercy' tempered by 'judgment' is to be in balance. And to be in balance is to be in right relationship with all beings. Discerning, yet kind, clear, yet patient, truthful, yet accepting. This is the way of it. This is what you must move
toward if you desire to take the deep journey toward self actualization. You must be constantly vigilant.

Take care. Learn to judge where you are strong and where you are weak. And then be merciful with yourself and promise yourself that you will work until you are in balance, carrying equal rations of mercy and judgment.