How we describe someone may reveal what our heart sees or it may just indicate a laziness on our part to look further. We often portray or label people for that standout moment of hardship or even shame they have experienced. While those things may be true, it does not encompass who they are – or how God sees them. When it is necessary to highlight a pain point, let’s put it in context as Jesus did.
Woman at well – Do we only identify her as someone who had 5 husbands? Or as Jesus did – acknowledging her troubled past but as someone who needed Living Water and brought her village to see Him.
The man of Gerasene – We call him a demoniac, but he also wanted to leave everything to follow Jesus.
Man on the cross – He was a convicted thief and we refer to him as the thief on the cross. But he is also a man of faith who encountered Jesus and believed what little information he had.
Sick or infirm – Does the disease or limitation become a label? Or can we truthfully include the description of someone who walks faithfully in the midst of pain.
It’s easy to take short cuts in telling a story or even passing on information. But how I choose those few words to depict someone will affect how others view them. We are all multifaceted and complex people. When Jesus brought up their low moment, He also gave broader context of His redemptive work.
You could describe me in a multitude of ways, many not flattering. But I hope you will look as God looks and see the work He is doing in me. And I want to see with Jesus’ eyes, not focusing on my neighbor’s past or failures – but in who they are becoming and what God is doing through them. I want to be careful to describe others with grace in their best God moment, even when still in the midst of their story. Lord, give me eyes to see.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7
