Janet was one of the most beautiful women I’d ever known. Vivacious and compassionate, her gleaming countenance made every patient and coworker feel better about themselves. 

I was surprised when she told me of her difficult childhood and the troubled relationship she’d had with her father. She’d grown up believing physical intimacy was reserved for marriage—she still believed it—but she’d abandoned prayer and chosen to live outside those strict moral boundaries. Janet’s life was none of my business. I didn’t begrudge her choices, but I wondered how she could have such a powerful spiritual presence while doing things she believed were wrong. I prayed about it.

“Because of whom she is,” I was told in a clear voice. “And because I love her so much.”

The words jolted me. I realized how judgmental my question had been. Whatever Janet’s father had done, and whatever choices she’d made, she was on her path. I’d thought my path was divinely appointed, but I’d questioned hers.

Janet and I were such close friends, I later shared what I’d learned. Tears streamed down her face. She already knew; she just needed to hear it again. Her response was deeply moving, but not something I can share. A few days later, she pulled me aside at work, hugged me, and told me she was praying again.

Never judge another’s path. God is in the details of every life. When we judge another’s path, we judge God.