Looking At The Heart

I know I don't post very often, but usually what happens is, I start writing something, then think it sounds stupid, and give up. It's ridiculous. Does anyone actually read this? Who knows. But even if no one does, my blog is still an encouragement and reminder to me: a place for the better parts of myself to encourage the not-so-great parts of myself when that part seems to be winning out. Does that make sense?

What I want to say today to you, or to me, or whoever, is: stop judging people by the outside. Easier said than done, I know.

But we, or at least I, do it so much without even realizing it, and it's so wrong. I categorize people immediately upon seeing them, and when I categorize, I assume things. That girl's makeup looks good? Obviously, she's secure about herself and I should feel inferior. That guy looks like a "homeschooler"? Obviously, he's socially awkward and needs my help.

Um. Seriously, Katie?

Yes. It's not always that extreme, and I don't always think these things consciously, but I certainly have judged people like that before.

Lord, forgive me. Thinking about this can easily make me depressed, but luckily, God doesn't leave us alone with these kinds of things. He has answers.

1. The first thing we have to realize when we're looking at our own judgmental tendencies (or any sin, actually) is that God loves us in the midst of them. In fact, He forgives us of them. Jesus' blood completely covers our sins, and we are fully forgiven. God is a lot more forgiving, and loving, than we give Him credit for! He doesn't just love us when we're being lovable. He loves us in our worst moments, as well as our best. (After all, what use would His sacrifice be if we were good all the time?)

2. The second thing we have to remember about God is that He understands why we do what we do. (Psalm 33:15 - "He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.") God knows it's hard to be us, and He gets how easy it is to sin. He gets it. Men look at the outside and God looks at the heart, so we should too. But God also knows that looking at someone's heart from the outside is a difficult feat. In fact, it can't be done with our own eyes. So that's why we need God.

In the case of judging people, or any sin, victory can be attained, but it can only be attained with the help of the Holy Spirit. He wants to help us and has all the power to do so; all we have to do is ask! When we do ask, He always answers. Always.

So in the end, I am judgmental. I assume too much. And I think I know people before I actually meet them. But the God I serve looks at the heart, and He truly does know people. Lord, let me see through your eyes! This is my prayer. Is it yours?