Look beneath the Surface

Scripture

“Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”
(John 7:24, NLT)

Word

You may have heard that it takes six seconds to make a first impression. Most people don’t realize how many times they look at someone and instantly decide if they’re going to like them or not. The scripture says that man looks at the outward appearance of others while God looks at the heart. Now you might be thinking, “Of course, God looks at the heart. He’s God. How am I supposed to look at another person’s heart?” You may not exactly know a person’s heart, but as Jesus said in this verse, you can look beneath the surface. You can take time to get to know someone who might look or act differently than you. Don’t just write someone off because they don’t measure up to your standards. You never know how God will use that relationship in your life.

Jesus said, “Whatever you’ve done to the least of these, you’ve done to Me.” In other words, when we make quick judgments about people, it’s as if we are making quick judgments about God. Don’t fall into that trap! Instead, look beneath the surface. Look for the good in others, find some common ground and watch what God will do through the relationships in your life!

Prayer

Father, help me to look beneath the surface. Help me to see others the way You see them. Show me how to connect with others and be a blessing everywhere I go in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Joel & Victoria Osteen)