1/7/16-Seeing past the outer layer
We as a society gain no awards by heaping coals of shame, guilt and condemnation upon others. I find each individual person has that market cornered by themselves on that. In other words…we tend to heap the coals on our own heads in regards to shame, guilt and condemnation that it really is unnecessary for others to do the same to us.
God created mankind to love. Would it be such an odd idea that we accept others flaws and love them to flawlessness?
The world likes to shine light upon our inadequacies…maybe it’s time to start shining light on what is good about others. Maybe instead of focusing on the things we hate about a person we focus on the things that are good. For example…I dislike STRONGLY when people curse; I find it odd that the English language dictionary has so many words to use to express ourselves and yet a person seems the best option is swearing…really?!? However, as the years have passed I have learned to set an example and not swear and focus on the good pieces. I had a conversation with someone several years ago who would make a sailor blush with their language…but their heart was SO kind! They really wanted to help people in profound ways and were doing exactly that. So, in that moment I chose to hear their heart instead of focusing on the cursing…if I would have focused on the cursing I would have never seen the true heart of this person…and essentially would of robbed myself from getting to know a truly beautiful person.
I believe we need to stop finger pointing others weaknesses and sins and start recognizing each individuals strengths. I think sometimes we believe if we shine light on another's faults it will take that spotlight away from shining on our faults…which is completely not true. I believe if we choose to shine light on the strengths, gifts and talents of others -that will equally be the light that others will view us in.
…and let’s face it, at the end of the day I really would prefer seeing the good in others…it gives me hope for tomorrow.
"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you." Luke 6:31