DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
With the increasing time we spend in airports lately, we’ve had numerous opportunities to observe people. It’s a way to pass the time while waiting for our flights. Have you ever considered the people you encounter when you’re out and about? Take, for example, the man carrying his suit jacket, tie off, cuffs rolled up on a slightly wrinkled shirt. His meeting must have ended poorly, judging by the expression on his face. However, after a long week, he’s on his way home to his family.
Now, let’s consider the woman in leggings and a sweatshirt hurrying to her gate. She’s likely rushing to catch her flight because she needs to get to her mother, who has fallen and broken her hip.
These are just a few examples of the many stories and scenarios that unfold based on our outward appearances. But perhaps the business man is actually a doctor who has dedicated his time to assisting a colleague with a challenging case. And the woman might be returning home to her family after a weekend away, seeking clarity on her life. Ultimately, she realizes that home is where her heart truly belongs.
Do you judge people solely based on their physical appearance? Steve occasionally does this, and I gently remind him of it. However, it’s worth noting that this behavior has only recently become a habit, suggesting it might be an age-related issue. For instance, when he comments on the younger generation’s piercings and hair colors, I try to be understanding and accept that they are simply expressing themselves. Nevertheless, I can’t help but wonder if they are suppressing their pain or anger through these piercings, or if they are hiding behind this facade. Ultimately, we cannot judge them based on their appearance without knowing their inner thoughts and emotions.
John 7:24
Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.
Before we judge others based on their appearance, perhaps we should take a moment to look inward and reflect on our own lives. What do we see? I see a tired older woman in leggings and a sweatshirt, burdened by the weight of recent challenges. However, with God leading the way, she has persevered through these difficult days. I see a woman of God, radiating love and compassion for those around her. I see a fighter, a warrior ready to face the obstacles that lie ahead. But sometimes, I catch a glimpse of that unsure, timid soul, yearning for words of encouragement to remind her that she is not alone on her journey.
Psalm 7:10
God is my shield, saving those whose heart are true and right.
Just because the book’s cover doesn’t seem appealing doesn’t mean the story itself isn’t a page-turner. Even if someone’s appearance doesn’t seem like someone you’d want to associate with, you might be surprised to find out they’re the most interesting person you’ve talked to in a long time. And maybe they needed that interaction with you just as much as you needed to have a conversation with them. That outward appearance was covering a heart that needed a simple smile, a kind word or perhaps someone to listen to their story.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
With the increasing time we spend in airports lately, we’ve had numerous opportunities to observe people. It’s a way to pass the time while waiting for our flights. Have you ever considered the people you encounter when you’re out and about? Take, for example, the man carrying his suit jacket, tie off, cuffs rolled up on a slightly wrinkled shirt. His meeting must have ended poorly, judging by the expression on his face. However, after a long week, he’s on his way home to his family.
Now, let’s consider the woman in leggings and a sweatshirt hurrying to her gate. She’s likely rushing to catch her flight because she needs to get to her mother, who has fallen and broken her hip.
These are just a few examples of the many stories and scenarios that unfold based on our outward appearances. But perhaps the business man is actually a doctor who has dedicated his time to assisting a colleague with a challenging case. And the woman might be returning home to her family after a weekend away, seeking clarity on her life. Ultimately, she realizes that home is where her heart truly belongs.
Do you judge people solely based on their physical appearance? Steve occasionally does this, and I gently remind him of it. However, it’s worth noting that this behavior has only recently become a habit, suggesting it might be an age-related issue. For instance, when he comments on the younger generation’s piercings and hair colors, I try to be understanding and accept that they are simply expressing themselves. Nevertheless, I can’t help but wonder if they are suppressing their pain or anger through these piercings, or if they are hiding behind this facade. Ultimately, we cannot judge them based on their appearance without knowing their inner thoughts and emotions.
John 7:24
Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.
Before we judge others based on their appearance, perhaps we should take a moment to look inward and reflect on our own lives. What do we see? I see a tired older woman in leggings and a sweatshirt, burdened by the weight of recent challenges. However, with God leading the way, she has persevered through these difficult days. I see a woman of God, radiating love and compassion for those around her. I see a fighter, a warrior ready to face the obstacles that lie ahead. But sometimes, I catch a glimpse of that unsure, timid soul, yearning for words of encouragement to remind her that she is not alone on her journey.
Psalm 7:10
God is my shield, saving those whose heart are true and right.
Just because the book’s cover doesn’t seem appealing doesn’t mean the story itself isn’t a page-turner. Even if someone’s appearance doesn’t seem like someone you’d want to associate with, you might be surprised to find out they’re the most interesting person you’ve talked to in a long time. And maybe they needed that interaction with you just as much as you needed to have a conversation with them. That outward appearance was covering a heart that needed a simple smile, a kind word or perhaps someone to listen to their story.
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