I have a dream…I do. It’s one where all people stop judging by outward appearance and start looking deep into the eyes and souls of others, seeing them for who they really are; seeing them the way God sees them.
“…the Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7
Who hasn’t been guilty of this, right? We are human with human eyes and sinful hearts that judge, criticize, scrutinize and make false assumptions…but this, my friends, is so very wrong and sad and not the way God intends it. We must change it, today!
What does it mean to look past what our eyes see? What does it mean to look past skin color, social status, and even behavior?? It means we live out the second greatest commandment from our Lord and Savior; it means we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14
To love others the way he does, to see others the way He does can only come from Him. When we truly, truly are loving and seeking Him, amazing love for others, along with true sight for others, is the overflow of this relationship.
“God is love. He who abides in love abides in God and God in him.” 1 John 4:16
When it’s hard to see past race, ethnic background, outer appearance, may we ask Jesus for help; may we ask for His eyes, not our own. May we be a generation that chooses to LOVE!
Oh Father God that you would take our eyes and make them your own. Forgive us when we don’t see past outer appearances. Help us to see the souls and hearts that you have created. Thank you for greater unity in this day and age but grow within us- the people of this time and generation and those coming behind us- a greater desire for unity among your people. We are each handcrafted by YOU! How amazing you are! Help us to love You first so we can love Your people–all of Your people. Help us to live out Your greatest commandment and the most important of faith, hope, and love. You, Lord are LOVE…oh that we would be too!! In Jesus precious name, Amen.
A great thought for a day set aside to remember a man who had a dream about “…one day…” If we looked with the eyes of a loving Creator at each and every one of his creations, what a peaceful place this would be! The struggle remains, though, and your challenge is so appropriate at this time when crisis and “breaking news” wants to overwhelm us with negative emotions. By whose eyes am I viewing this event, this individual? We Christians need to reflect on the question you raise, and not simply respond with emotion, be it anger, hatred, fear or any other crippling response. Thank you for this timely thought! Dad
Thank you daddy! I love your words. And you!