On dropping judgment

Don’t Judge

When I see the images of an injured or lifeless Arab child

I say “damn those Israelis”

but Jesus says “don’t judge”!.

When I see the images of an injured or lifeless Israeli child

I say “damn those Arabs”

but Jesus says “don’t judge”!

When I see a militant Arab with guns ablaze

I say “damn those Arabs”

But Jesus says “don’t judge”!

When I see an Israeli tank lobbing shells

at innocent civilians

I say “damn those Israelis”

but Jesus says “don’t judge”!

When I hear an Israeli politician announce the need

for an pre-emptive strike on its Arab neighbours

I say” damn those Israelis”

but Jesus says “don’t judge” !

When I hear an Arab spokesman announce ‘death

to all Israelis’

I say “damn those Arabs”!

but Jesus says “don’t judge”

When I hear an Imam condone violence against the West

I say “damn those Muslim clerics”

But Jesus says “don’t judge”!

When I hear Christian religious leaders rally behind a ‘just war’

I say “damn those Christian bigots”

But Jesus says “don’t judge”!

When I hear endless arguments

about who is right and who is wrong

I say “damn all those critics anyway?

But Jesus says “don’t judge”

And if I was born an Arab or Israeli where would I be?

Based on a political border and false national pride - I judge

But Jesus says “don’t judge”!

When I pray for peace but it doesn’t seem to come

Jesus says, “don’t judge find my peace within and share it with all I place in your path.”