Take Another Look – Part 1
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 2 Corinthians 5:16
What did Paul mean when he wrote, ‘Henceforth know we no man after the flesh’? Simply this: Instead of focusing on another believer’s faults and failings, try to see them as a regenerated spirit living in an unregenerated body. The fact is they’re ‘made right with God through Christ’ (v. 21), and as such they have the potential to accomplish great things. No question, when it comes to forming relationships you must be discerning. The wrong people can hurt you and the right people can help you. But it’s not your job to go around ‘vetting’ people based on your limited knowledge of them. If you could see them through God’s eyes and know what He has planned for them, perhaps you’d be less critical and more complimentary. Instead of looking down on them, you’d start looking up to them. And you’d invest time, love, and energy in them. Why? Because God is big on the law of reciprocity: ‘Whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord’ (Ephesians 6:8). We give up on people because we can’t see what God sees, or understand what He’s doing. God’s looking at something He placed within them, something you can’t see. And He’s not finished with them, so withhold your judgement and criticism. What if God had written you off because of the mistakes you’ve made? Instead of looking for the worst in people, look for the best. And when you find it, nurture it and draw it out. In other words: Be willing to take another look!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to look deeper at people and not just on the surface – and see the good in them that You see. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
What if it’s an opportunity of a lifetime? What if we show our love by example, then share our faith- the reason for our love? What is the Holy Spirit shows up, grace starts flowing and the seeds of faith in Jesus start growing? What if God uses ordinary people, like you and me, to further His kingdom?
Not sure I understand. Vetting is a popular word today. Is it not important , and wouldn’t God want us to vet people to ensure safety to our children, family , friends , community and nation? Does God want us to allow people that do not share our language , border, culture, to come into our lives, where they declare they plan to destroy our civilization. I understand we do not want to blindly treat people wrong, but tell me how not vetting for instance people that behave poorly and break laws is a good thing. what context do we mean this.? I don’t think God wants us not to be cautious and protective to some extent. What kind of parents would we be?