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Have you ever met someone and knew instantly whether you liked the person or not? 

According to a recent study done by psychologists from Cornell University, the first impression you have about someone usually last.  A  study was done where people were shown a couple of pictures of different faces.  The participants were supposed to choose the faces they like and then put the other photos aside.  They did not get any additional information about these people in the photos, and were only to judge these people by the way they looked. 

A few weeks later they were able to meet the people in the photos, and surprisingly most people were correct in their judgement.  

This study concluded that people are judged by their faces, and that first impressions usually lasts.  If you would like to read about the study you can do so here.

Have you ever changed your mind about how you feel about someone you met after a while?  

We have all met someone that we don't like.  I have the tendency to easily judge someone by their body language.  In the first few minutes of a conversation I can tell you if I am going to like someone or not.  These impressions usually last.  Very few times in my life have I been wrong about someone, or so I believe.....  

Is it possible that we judge too easily? 

 

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The old saying goes, don't judge a book by it's cover.... 

This is easier said than done.  People are often judged by the way they dress.  Some people are very critical of others because they have tattoos. 

How critical are you?  

People are judged with the way they look on the outside and not what is inside that person that really matters.  People that are overweight are sometimes not recognized for who they really are.  

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We live in a sad world where everyone fights for themselves to stay alive and to be the best they can be, but we are often judged and damaged by others without them even realizing it.  People are damaged because of bullying, verbal abuse and sometimes even physical abuse.  People have psychological problems because things just get too much for them to handle.  We all have our own issues, and it is time that we start recognizing people for who they are and not what they wear. 

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Imagine walking in the wood, and you hear a cute little puppy bark.  When you get close, the dog suddenly wants to bite you, and you stand away to prevent him from attacking you. Suddenly the puppy is not so cute anymore.  

After some investigation you see that the dog has it's one leg stuck in a trap. Almost instantly you feel some compassion for the dog....  

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We must judge ourselves, and judge of our own acts, but not make our word a law to everybody. We must not judge rashly, nor pass judgment  upon our brother without any ground. We must not make the worst of  people. Here is a just reproof to those who quarrel with their brethren  for small faults, while they allow themselves in greater ones. Some sins are as motes, while others are as beams; some as a gnat, others as a camel. 

Not that there is any sin little; if it be a mote, or splinter,  it is in the eye; if a gnat, it is in the throat; both are painful and dangerous, and we cannot be easy or well till they are got out. That which charity teaches us to call but a splinter in our brother's eye,  true repentance and godly sorrow will teach us to call a beam in our own. It is as strange that a man can be in a sinful, miserable  condition, and not be aware of it, as that a man should have a beam in  his eye, and not consider it; but the god of this world blinds their  minds. Here is a good rule for reprovers; first reform thyself.

Matthew 7:5 

 How can we stop judging people?

• Be conscious when you talk to a person you have just met.  SEE who they are and not what they wear. 
• Monitor your thoughts
• Think before you speak
• Be friendly and change your mindset.  Get to know that person before you decide.  
• Focus on yourself and not on the other person.
• Look for something positive in that person and remember that.  Get rid of negative thoughts.  
• Remember that this person might feel exactly the same about you.  Remember how it feels to be judged.  

 Judging a person does not define who they are, it defines who you are!