What Do You See?

I Samuel 16:7 (KJV) Says, "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." Matthew 9:36 (KJV) Says, "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

The above verses of scripture make it clear that God does not look at us in the same manner that we look at one another. He tells us that we tend to look at the outward appearance of others, and that he looks at what is on our hearts. The above verse taken from Matthew tells us that God looks on people and is moved with compassion at what he sees.

When you look at others, what do you see? Are you moved with compassion? When you people watch, and we all do, are you looking to see how they're dressed? What hairstyle they have? What they're driving? Who they're with? If they appear to be successful? If they appear to be poor?

Have you ever considered what God sees, when he looks at us? Looking at us with compassion, as he does, I don't believe he considers any of the things we look at of importance. Looking at us with compassion, he sees things such as hurting hearts, emotional pain, broken friendships, disappointments, loneliness, hurting marriages, sickness and disease, pain and suffering, weariness, exhaustion, hunger, and all other troubles and weaknesses.

God looks at us with love and compassion, and is ready to walk with us through whatever storms we face, while we look at one another seeing only shallow things. We tend to look at one another in a manner that critiques, and not in a manner that recognizes someone is in  pain. If we looked at them with compassion as God does we may be moved to reach out to them with love and encouragement.

The next time you're among family, friends, or out in public, look at people differently, notice their facial expressions, do you see pain and sadness in their eyes? Do you see weariness and trouble on their face? Do they appear to be lonely? If so, reach out and witness to them. Tell them that God loves them right where they are. Tell them of all the good things God has done for you. Tell them they are a child of God, and that he loves them tremendously, that he is waiting for them to reach out to him. Tell them he will never leave them nor forsake them, and that we can do all things through Christ. Ask them if they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and if not offer to pray the sinners prayer with them. Encourage them, and let them know someone cares. Reminding someone that Jesus loves them, and offering them a few words of encouragement can be life changing.

I urge you to look at people differently, to notice the things that matter, and be ready to lift up, and encourage those who appear troubled. We all need lifting up and encouraging at times in our lives. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (KJV) Says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." When you see someone who's down, reach out to them, lift them up, and encourage them. You never know, the next person who needs lifting up and encouraging might be you.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.