Looks can be deceiving. Judgments are made without regard to the individual; ideas and perceptions are placed into motion with little regard for the consequences of those initial thoughts.
I pre-judged some individuals and immediately categorized them into a Class and Group. Boy, was I ever wrong. The Lord used that moment not only to humble my heart but also to teach me unconditional love and to remind me of my daughter’s actions when she was 5 years old; she is now almost 17.
We were shopping in Target one afternoon when she asked if she could go pick out her cereal in the next aisle. Before I could answer, she had scampered off around the corner. As I was rounding the corner, I witnessed the love of God.
Samantha was assisting a young man, probably 14 years old, who has Down’s syndrome. She was reading the names of the cereals to him and informing him on which was her favorite as she asked him which was his. Their conversation continued for another minute or so, with laughter and thanks being expressed. The young man walked off with his cereal box while Samantha was still examining her choices.
I approached her with a smile that could melt the Poles. I told her how proud I was of her and her showing of love to another individual. She looked at me and gave a response that will forever be sealed in my memory. She said, “What’s the big deal, Dad? He is no different than me; he was also created in the image of God.” With that, I realized, she gets it when many of us don’t.
“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness….”
Genesis 1:26a
The application here is we should all take time to reflect on His beauty and love. For before we pre-judge or make decisions on individuals, young or old, rich or poor, we need to stop and look at them as if we were looking at the face of God. That is showing Christ’s Love to all. That God-centered view will bring us closer to Him.
A Growing Bond Servant of the King~
Joe
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