When you see or talk with another person, what do you see first?
Do you see the person’s human condition? Do you see someone with an eternal soul that will either spend eternity in heaven or hell?
On the other hand, is it possible you see the things with which you disagree? Do you see those things that are not your preferences? Do you see the person’s sin first?
How do you respond? What is your typical first reaction? Are you filled with compassion? Do you desire to grant mercy? Does grace motivate you toward kindness with a tender heart?
Consider Jesus as Your Example
Jesus often dealt with sinners. He reserved His harshest critiques for those who were self-righteously religious. But for the sinners, Jesus demonstrated great compassion. Consider this interchange:
7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:7-10)
Jesus is talking to the Samaritan woman. Jews and Samaritans did not get along. In fact, the relationship between the two groups spewed bitterness, malice, and hatred. Plus, the text later tells us that this woman was immoral (John 4:16-18). Jesus knew that. Yet, Jesus dealt with her greatest need first – eternity.
So How Do You View People?
Are you like Jesus and see a person who you know sins – because all people do – and who needs eternity first?
Or, on the other hand, do you see this person’s sins and problems first and only contemplate his or her eternity later, if at all?
Today and this week, strive to move toward the person with mercy and compassion first! See those you meet in light of eternity rather than get distracted by the person’s preferences, origin, and sins.