Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

The world can be a nasty place. But just because we live in it, doesn’t mean we have to be of it. Through Christ, we have a calling to be above all that the word wants of us.

While we go out doing His will we share His love with gentleness and kindness. We are approachable, not above others. As if you feel you are better then anyone else it means we are judging and that is not our place.

However, God does want us to be careful. We need to not make choices which take us away from Him. We need to determine who and what helps us stay close to Him and what negatively influences us.

There is a difference between judging people to label them and in determining what/who we should/should not allow influence us. It is God’s place and His alone to judge as the Bible tell us.

Think of the term “passing judgment”. When people judge, it is often to place blame or determine a person’s worth according to their own beliefs. Who are we to determine a person’s worth.

As people, we are all flawed and imperfect. (think of “let he without sin cast the first stone”). In God’s eyes we all have value. When we need to make decisions about who/want we associate with, there is loving kindness involved. No condemnation, no passing judgment, only a decision.

So go out as gentle doves, remaining approachable, as one day the person/situation you once determined to be a negative influence, may turn around and be won over by your Godly lifestyle.