How do you view others?

[bvwsmaker]

I've been convicted lately that I don't view others the same way that God does. Especially Christians! I think my expectations that I have of them (especially mature ones) might not be in line with what God expects of them. I don't think I know how to view others consistantly in grace or if I do, it's selective.

Since I tend to be cynical and pessimistic, I seem to always be looking for the worst in people and I do find it. And I'm starting to think this is not fair to them!!!

I'd like to change this thinking. My February study will be "Who are they?" and I'll be looking at Christians from an identity standpoint. Perhaps that will permit me to see the Holy Spirit in them and see the positive things in their lives. And perhaps the weaknesses that I "discern" could be turned into opportunities to serve them!

I think this has been the biggest roadblock to my struggles of trust.

So, does anyone else struggle with viewing others like God does?

 

[NorwayUnn]

Good post!

My heart's prayer is simple ''Lord Jesus, help me see others through Your eyes''. When we see how much we need Jesus and His forgiveness and love in our lives, we should look at others with merciful eyes. Grace is something we all need every day in our lives. We are here to worship Jesus and edify our brothers and sisters in Him and do our best to serve not only the ones we fellowship with in church, but our community and people in need.

 

[MN John]

I've been thinking about the tongues ability to either edify or tear down. But you're right, the words are one thing but there's also the thoughts and attiudes behind the words. Negativity is insidious and it's important to allow god to reign in our thoughts, attitudes, and words.

Bless you, brother.

 

[MMXII]

bvwsmaker, to open yourself up to self improvement is a great thing. I pray that I have that open heart.

I too tend to place "Christians" under a microscope. I've been learning over the years to be more accepting of other peoples views and their theology. I may not agree with them but I am commanded to love them. For me the commandment to love comes a bit harder. But if you are like me and have been hurt by christians, it's hard to see them through God's eyes. If you have any insight, please share.

Thank you for your thought provoking posts.

 

[woman.at.the.well]

I'm getting the same message from the Lord as well. Definitely something I need to work on!

 

[c1ners]

My oldest daughter works in a christian bookstore. She says that most Christians are harsh and judgemental. It's a sad thing. We should be the ones showing love and compassion, yet instead we seem to look for the evil and be the first ones to point it out!

I'm not saying you guys are that way. I'm not in here often enough to say anything like that. Just Christians in general.

 

[Tattered]

I seem to have the opposite reaction to people. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise and then I can't help but be surprised at bad behaviour. ... yep, pollyanny, that's me ... I guess I tend to put Christians up on a pedestal.

 

[bvwsmaker]

Do you ever wonder if it boils down to how much love we're receiving from God? First John 4:19 says "We love because He first loved us." That should motivate us to love, right? But what if we're taking that for granted? Or just forget just how perfect and amazing that love truly is?

Maybe we fail to see others as someone that God loves. If we're in that failure of proper perception, then how are we seeing others? Are they obstacles? Or maybe we don't think they're deserving? But that would make us deceived because we weren't deserving either! Or have we forgotten that?

 

[Tricia4Jesus]

I seem to have the opposite reaction to people. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise and then I can't help but be surprised at bad behaviour. ... yep, pollyanny, that's me ... I guess I tend to put Christians up on a pedestal.

I tend to do the same thing, and then when my brothers and sisters let me down, I have to fight the urge to not take the gloves off and duke it off with them, figuratively speaking of course. I try to see them through God's eyes, but then again, their actions start affecting me and well, I begin to stumble. Then before I know it, I am stumbling everyone around me.

 

[Shalico2007]

I think that we can all tend to make snap judgments from time to time. But I try to give people the same chance that I would expect them to give me, and I think that's what God would expect out of any of us. The key word is try.