A Reflection on Snap Judgments and Grace

The train hummed along the tracks, a sea of passengers lost in their own thoughts—some scrolling on phones, others staring blankly at the windows. The atmosphere buzzed with the mundane rhythm of city life until the doors slid open at a station and a bulky man entered, clutching his belongings. His clothes were disheveled, and it was evident he hadn’t showered in a while. He looked homeless.

The seat next to me was empty. I noticed it, and so did he. But instead of making room, I hesitated. A small, selfish thought crossed my mind: What if he smells bad? I did nothing. I didn’t offer the seat, and I didn’t move to make it easier for him to sit. That moment passed quickly, but it lingered in my heart far longer. Days later, I’m still reflecting on it—how my snap judgment and hesitation missed an opportunity to show kindness and grace.

Jesus’ words ring in my mind: “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me” (Matthew 25:45). In moments like these, this scripture challenges me deeply. It reminds me that small acts of kindness are not just optional; they are a reflection of my faith. That day on the train, I failed to act with the compassion Christ calls me to have. It’s a reminder to be more mindful, present, and willing to choose love over hesitation. It’s not always easy, but these moments shape who I am and who I strive to be.

A Moment of Conviction

Looking back, it wasn’t just about the man or the empty seat. It was about me—my heart, my biases, and my walk as someone striving to emulate Christ. I’ve always prided myself on being compassionate, but this incident revealed a blind spot. It reminded me of Proverbs 21:2: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”

In that moment, my heart wasn’t open. I let fear of discomfort override the nudge to act with compassion. The bulky man with his burden of belongings could have been Jesus in disguise, testing whether I would act with the grace I profess.

Quotes That Illuminate

C.S. Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” This quote perfectly encapsulates what I failed to do on that train ride. My hesitation to offer the seat stemmed from being too focused on my own comfort and assumptions. If I had thought of the man’s needs instead of my own, I could have extended grace and kindness in that moment.

Another quote that comes to mind is from Mother Teresa: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” My hesitation stemmed from judgment—a fleeting, unconscious assessment of his appearance and presumed circumstances. That judgment created a barrier to love and kindness, even in something as simple as offering a seat.

Soul Insights

1. Judgment Clouds Compassion
   Judgment, even when subtle, blinds us to the humanity in others. It’s like wearing tinted glasses that distort reality—we see people not as they are, but as the labels and assumptions we’ve placed on them. For example, think about how easily we’re tempted to categorize someone based on their appearance or behavior, missing the story they carry within. This man on the train wasn’t just a bulky figure; he was someone who likely had struggles and burdens I couldn’t see.
2. Opportunities for Grace Are Often Inconvenient
   Acts of kindness rarely align perfectly with our schedules or preferences. They often demand something uncomfortable or inconvenient, but it’s in those moments that grace shines brightest.
3. Small Choices Reflect Big Values
   Offering a seat on a train may seem trivial, but these small choices reveal the state of our hearts. As Luke 16:10 reminds us, “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.”
4. Love Requires Action
   Kind thoughts and good intentions are meaningless without action. True love—the kind Christ exemplified—is active and sacrificial. It steps in where it’s needed, even when it’s uncomfortable.
5. Growth Comes Through Reflection
   Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities to grow. Reflecting on this experience has helped me see where I fell short and how I can do better next time. It’s a reminder that God’s grace isn’t just for others; it’s for me, too, as I strive to become more like Him.

Final Thoughts

This experience on the train was humbling. It reminded me that following Christ isn’t just about the big gestures or public acts of faith. It’s about the everyday choices—the quiet, unseen moments where we decide whether to love or turn away.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). Thinking back to the train, I wonder if that bulky man was one such angel, sent to test my heart and my willingness to extend grace. The empty seat next to me wasn’t just a place for him to rest—it was an opportunity for me to act in love. I missed it, but I pray for the courage and awareness to choose better next time.

The bulky man on the train didn’t just challenge my assumptions; he challenged my heart. And for that, I’m grateful. May we all strive to see others with the eyes of Christ—and to act accordingly.

© 2024 Amelie Chambord