Through Whose Eyes?

For years, it was too easy for me to be critical of other people who I didn't understand why they were the way they were. I didn't understand how they could be so evil, so opinionated, so rude, so hateful, so provocative, so confrontational, so crude, so left, so right, so careless, so full of rage, so snobby, so arrogant, so addicted -- just to name a few characteristic that I saw as flaws. I could never understand homelessness, extreme poverty, people who seemed not to care about anyone or anything. Far worse, I couldn't understand why they couldn't keep themselves hygienically clean. I can see why that verse exists about taking the log out of your eye, before you try removing the splinter from theirs.

Years back I was told to quit looking at people at how I perceive them to be, but rather look at them how you think if Jesus were still on earth, how he would see them. Then several years later, I read a book named Looking Through Jesus's Eyes. I used to be that person who would cross streets just to avoid that man on the corner who would be talking to himself and raging about something. I learned instead of making a judgment based on perception that I would pray when I would feel my spirit of judgment rising and ask God to please show me this person through Jesus's eyes.

Also, I was finding it too easy to listen to the noise surrounding me and forming opinions based on what other people would exert me to believe, rather than educating myself about what the individual's agenda might be about. I understand 100% why people have formed their opinions based on some of the things said person(s) had said that is adversarial or contrary to their own belief systems. Especially when the topics are key topics affecting humanity. We have become so divided based on perceptions.

But what if we took the time to look past the surface stuff and try to look at the person for what they are at the base of their existence? What if we can see them first as someone's son or daughter? Whatever or whoever makes you feel empathy for that person beneath their outward judgment noise. Are they a husband or wife? Are they a father or mother? Are they a niece or nephew? Are they a grandmother or grandfather? Better yet, think of yourself and how you are perceived. How would you feel if someone judged you based on what they perceive when they first meet you -- when you were frustrated, when you lost your patience, when you cussed, when something came out of your mouth that you later were sorry for saying it, when you responded harshly to someone else?

Now I understand there are the extremes, where your safety could be directly jeopardized by the way a person acts toward you. That they are near criminal in their actions. They are toxic in their behaviors toward you. Then, of course, discernment needs to take over. When your life has been adversely affected and impacted in a negative way physically and mentally, you need to protect yourself. It's hard to love your enemies, but you should.

Another key note to remember if you are a Christian is that the way you judge a person, is the same judgement you will receive. Should the word hate even come out of your mouth when describing other people and their ideals? You can dislike what they say and not apply it to your life, but to hate them for what they represent? And worse yet, to try and convince other's to hate them as much as you do. Why? Are we not all free thinkers who can set our own opinions, even if it is different than yours?

I'm going to share that because our main political parties are so divided, I've made a decision to not be part of either one. To be honest, I've been down the center all my life, but because I took a test my senior year of high school to determine what side I should belong to. It identified me mostly on one side and suggested I put myself on that side, but also recognized that I still had some views of the other party. I should have taken that as a clue that my way of thinking was different and I should have remained right in the middle. There were times in my voting processes, I crossed the line for another party's candidate. But one thing I refuse to do, is to "hate" another party's candidate or to hate the person who is sitting in the President's seat at the White House. Because I serve a God greater than this world, I believe anyone who sits in the seat of leadership is there for God's purpose and His purpose only. Whether they are a Democrat or a Republican. I will also share I have my own personal liberal views. Like it or not, that's who I am.

So, when people agree to disagree with me, that's okay. I scroll past that post and don't comment one way or another. And when I form my opinions, understand I have my reasons. Mostly, it's because I prayed about it, educated myself and asked God to show me the person or situation through Jesus's eyes. Am I right, am I wrong? -- let God be my judge. I am fallible just like everyone else. I am imperfect and wonderfully made. I choose to love first and foremost and to see everyone I meet through Jesus's eyes.

I may agree to disagree, but I still love you!!

Matthew 7:2 -- "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

Matthew 7:3-5 -- "And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

Matthew 5:43-44 -- “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."

John 13:34 --  "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another."