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Under the Surface

    Sometimes we see someone and we cannot help but wonder why they do the things they do. We judge them based on their behavior, words, appearance, etc. We've all done it; admit it. But this is not the proper response to others, whether they be unbelievers or Christians.

    Let's think about this concept in application to nonbelievers. Our whole duty as a Christ follower is to introduce others to Him. We are meant to disciple the nations. How can we do this when we sit back and judge everyone? We judge by the sinfulness we see and view others as tainted or unworthy of our friendship. We don't dare get our hands dirty with people who do thinkg we disagree with (*gasp*). Today I'd like to remind you of how Jesus regarded those same people.

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV)

    Jesus loved the worst kinds of sinners. He hung out with those that society had rejected and He was ridiculed for it. But like Jesus said, the healthy do not need a doctor, but rather the sick (Luke 5:31). Have you ever considered that those who are most difficult to love are most in need of it?

    Love changes everything. This is why Jesus told us that as His people, we are to be recognized by our love for one another (John 13:35). We need to get past what we see and remind ourselves that there is a deeper reason behind what we see. People act the way they do because of what they are feeling deep in their hearts. When Jesus looked into the crowds, He was moved with compassion. Start looking at things differently.

    Before you judge someone, consider that there is something deeper lingering behind the surface, unseen. Consider the condition of their heart and have compassion. Today, show some unconditional, Jesus love to those who desperately need it.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (ESV)

 James 4:12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (ESV)

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