Judge Gently

[Sister Alvear]

Judge Gently

Pray don't find fault with the man

who limps or stumbles along the road

Unless you have worn the shoes he wears,

or struggled beneath his load.

There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,

though hidden away from view,

Or the burden he bears...placed on your back,

might cause you to stumble too.

Don't sneer at the man who's down today,

unless you have felt the blow

That caused his fall or felt the shame

that only the fallen know.

You may be strong, but still the blows that

were his...if dealt to you,

In the selfsame way at the selfsame time

might cause you to stagger too.

Don't be too harsh with the man who sins

or pelt him with word or stone

Unless you are sure...yea doubly sure

that you have no sins of your own...

For you know...perhaps if the tempters

voice should whisper...

as softly to you

As it did to him...when he went astray

could cause you to falter too.

~author unknown~