Walk a Mile in Their Moccasins

"Don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their moccasins." *

This proverb is a good way to look at God's admonition to judge others fairly and graciously (Matthew 7:12; Matthew 7:1-4). 

Each of us have insights and understanding into certain problems that we've experienced personally. We understand because we've "worn the same moccasins" as others.

But God wants us to have compassion and consideration even if we haven't experienced the same pain and challenges of others.

You may never have lost your job, had a wayward child, had poor health, been widowed, or faced the challenges of aging. But God can give you compassion, sympathy, and empathy for people going through these things.

God wants us to think of others, instead of just thinking of ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4), so let's pray for sensitivity and consideration in all of our relationships. 

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* Contrary to popular opinion, this isn't a Native American proverb. It became popular because of the poem "Walk a Mile in His Moccasins" written in 1895 by Mary T. Lathrap

To avoid misunderstandings about Matthew 7:1-4, read Judge Not Scripture Out of Context.  

For more on this concept read Romans 12:15: Rejoice and Mourn.