What would happen if we began seeing others through the eyes of Jesus? How would that change your interaction with others? How would that change your prayer life? Would Jesus give us more compassion for others if we asked Him in prayer?
Colossians 3: 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
One of my first mentors in pastoral ministry was a man who had an abundance of compassion for others. People were drawn to him because he modeled what Jesus talked about in the Scriptures. I am thankful to the Lord that He placed a person in my life that demonstrated seeing people through the eyes of Jesus.
Seeing Others as Offensive
A Pharisee had invited Jesus to his house for dinner and was offended when an immoral woman washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfume. Before the Pharisee can verbalize his revulsion, Jesus addresses his thoughts and tells a story.
A Story of Looking Through the Eyes of Jesus
Luke 7:41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”
43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”
“That’s right,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. 47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” [1]
Seeing God’s Image in Others
When we understand that our lives are gifts from God it changes how we live. When we see God’s image in others, that changes our response to those around us. Our lives are not our own. We were created to reflect God’s image. Pray that the Lord would give you new eyes so when we view ourselves and others through God’s eyes, nothing looks the same. To learn more about seeing others through the eyes of Jesus, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-sinful-woman
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 7:41–48). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.