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Monday, April 25, 2011

How do you see people?

"The act of encouragement begins in seeing people as God sees them, for all they can be, for who they are becoming."
I think sometimes we forget that each of us is somewhere different in our journeys, and we each are carrying different luggage. So, I think we tend to look at each other, comparing based on our own journey. What a powerful thing it would be to change that vision and try to see each individual as God sees them. God sees down the road. He knows where we are headed, and what we will become. He knows the steps of the journey, and how each step will affect us, change us and move us forward. He looks at us today, and sees who we are becoming. He knows how the thoughts I am typing now will help change me, help me to think about people.
So, how can we look at people and see them as God does? I think we have to focus on the positive. We need to look at and respect people for who they are attempting to be, not the struggle they are having to get there. We can't put people side by side and expect the same out of each one. Can you imagine if God did that with you? We have to look at the steps they are taking, and help them to envision where they will be if they continue.
We do need to remember the luggage they carry with them. We all have different backgrounds, all the luggage of our past, who was in it, what circumstances we endured, and who helped mold us to be the person we are. We will not all move at the same pace, at times the luggage is heavy enough it slows us down.
God calls us to be encouragers. It will be easier to encourage if we look at people as God sees them...remember He sees them as ALL they can be. His vision is for them to be complete and full. He doesn't see us failing, he sees us as successful. He applauds our steps in getting there.
So whether it is a spouse, a child, a parent, a student, an addict....let's ask God to help us see them each as He does. Let's ask Him to help us see them for who they can be. Let's be encouragers and see the steps they are taking and see them for who they are becoming. One by one, not side by side.
"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5: 14
May you always find salt and light in my words!

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