This morning I was awake and praying. My thoughts went to my children and grandchildren. I was thinking of the anger in this nation and the upswing of racism. I am saddened and alarmed by what is happening in this nation.
One of the thoughts that came to me is the song we sang as children, ” Red, Yellow, Black or White, all are precious in his sight”. This is so true. God doesn’t concern himself with the outward packaging of a person, he looks at their heart. He tells us to be like him. I have often thought that we as people, should be able to feel the pain and the joy of others. If we could feel their pain, if we could feel their joy, we would be kinder, more compassionate, caring of those around us.
When we see a person, we see the wrapping of their outward appearance. That appearance is like the wrapping paper on a gift. The gift is the wonder of the person inside. We have no idea what we will find, or discover until we take the time to “unwrap” the gift. By this I mean, talk to and get to know the person. People are amazing. They can be incredibly kind, thoughtful, loving, intelligent. But they can also be cruel, mean, thoughtless, self absorbed. You don’t know what you are getting when you get the present. You won’t know until you open it. Even then, people are so complex, that you may never really know a person unless they choose to allow you access to their true thoughts and feelings.
So why do we judge what we don’t know? You only see the surface. So if you want to judge my choice of clothing as not being what you would choose, fine. No big deal. If you disagree with decisions I make, that’s fine too. My choices are about what is right for me. Just as your choices are for you. But when you try to judge my character, my intentions, or anyone else based on lack of knowledge or understanding of why I am as I am, then you have crossed a line into a judgement that isn’t your right to do. Only God knows the heart and intent of any individual.
When we presume to cast judgement on another person, based on their outward wrappings, whether it is skin color, or weight, or some other perceived difference from our own wrapping, we miss out on the gift of who the person is. We miss the treasure of that person, we miss the humor, the intelligence, the thoughtfulness, the compassion, the wisdom, the quirky personality of someone that just makes you laugh or smile with joy.
My closing thoughts on this are please take the time you get to know someone before you decide if they are worth being in your life. Even those not meant to be in your life but that you cross paths with, Don’t assume you know someone’s heart or intent based on anything their wrapping projects that you don’t agree with. That can be tattoos, piercings, style of dress, hair color, or skin color. The outward wrappings don’t allow you to see into another’s soul or mind. Only taking the time to get to know someone will allow you access to the wonders of the treasure inside. Be kind to others and don’t assume, or presume. Allow God to do the judging, as He is the only one who truly knows the hearts, character, personality, fears, dreams and history of each of us. Don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy an unexpected treasure God may bring into your life. People are to be enjoyed, appreciated and valued for the treasure they really are.