Part 1: View people through eyes of grace.

There is a growing state of division in our country today. People are drawing lines among color, occupation, and political party. The underlying thought being propagated is that differences denote danger. The message is being sent out that you must look at those who are different from you with fear, distrust, and disdain. However, for the believer, hatred is not an option. Prejudice has been outlawed by God’s word for those who would embrace its full message.

Government programs, political influence, or legislative action will not heal this growing divide. There is only one source for such power and healing. Only Jesus has the power to change people’s hearts and it is the church’s job to put His love and power on display. We must regard each other in a way that is different from the world.

2 Corinthians 5:16 states, “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.” The word of God demands that we not look at people or situations with a worldly point of view, but rather we see them through eyes of grace. There is a worldly way to view people and then there is the Godly way to look at people. Those two perceptions are polar opposites. Looking at people through the worldly lens has to be eradicated before we can see people through the eyes of God.

1 Samuel 16:7 says, “…. the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

God looks right past skin color. God looks past bank statements. God looks past pedigrees and college degrees and sees right into the heart of people. And when He looks there, He sees something that is supposed to belong to Him. We all need to evaluate ourselves and ask, “How do I see the people around me?” or “How do I see people who look different from me on the outside?”

Reconciliation begins when we understand we have more in common than we do that divides us. We must come to the place where we can say we regard no one from a worldly point of view, but rather see him or her through eyes of grace.

Today’s Challenge: Don’t just see people with human eyes. Pray that God will allow you to see every person through eyes of grace.