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| Watching you watching me. With four eyes watching its back this Peacock Butterfly makes a colorful contribution to the landscape in early September. This one has had a close shave at sometime in the past. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
"...the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
Do you remember those kids in school that all the other kids made mean jokes about and perhaps even ridiculed to their faces? Or maybe it was that strange elderly lady that lived in your neighborhood or some guy who dressed funny and acted peculiar.
Most of us can think of someone in our lives that we've seen or even known who seemed somewhat strange or different from everyone else. Poking fun at others has long been a way we deal with those who are not like us. There are even websites devoted to this pastime.
If we don't know anything about a person other than the way they look or behave outwardly, how can we have the right to say mean things about them or poke fun at their expense? Their appearance might be a matter of upbringing, financial circumstance or health issues. Some people may even appear strange because that's how they want to look.
Maybe if we're thinking negative thoughts about another person of whom we know nothing, it might be a good reason to just say hello to that person instead. Give them a smile or offer them a helping hand.
Next time you're looking at another person in ridicule or contempt, remember that someone else might be looking at you in the same way. None of us are exempt from the eyes of judgement.
Matthew 7:1-2
New International Version (NIV)
Good advice, Arlee. Your line, "remember that someone else might be looking at you in the same way", often keeps my judgment gavel in check.
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