“Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”
We all know that some people make quick judgments about a book by its cover alone. But others actually read the inside cover or even the first few pages to find out what they think of it. Makes sense, right? Close examination gives us a much better idea of the contents of the story.
People and their lives are a lot like books. And Jesus tells us that we should look within to find out who they really are (John 7:24). The truth can can only be found in the pages of each person's book.
Withhold Judgment for Second
“Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Unfortunately, just like with books, some people are quick to judge people by their outer appearance before they get to know the person inside. Some people will never take the time to read those pages or take a look into the chapters of a life—the experiences, the past, the pains.
I wonder what someone would find on the pages of my book? What are some things that I don't want to be there? Are there pages I'd tear out? Maybe those times that I failed or gave up. The mistakes I've made. The hurts I've had. The dumb choices I've made. The obstacles I never overcame. But I can't rip out those pages, can I? None of us can.
Stop Judging Yourself
“Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.”
As much as I regret some things in my life, there's no changing those things. And maybe they helped make me who I am today (Romans 5:3-5). There were also times that I never gave up. Times I overcame the obstacles. And although I still suffer from wounds—physical and spiritual—I only feel them when I actually think about them.
We all have embarrassing moments that we wish we could do over, but life doesn't come with an undo or reset button. We have to deal with reality and make the best of it. James 1:2 (NLT) even tells that "when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." Crazy idea, but there's truth to it if you really think about it. We aren't defined by our mistakes—they're how we learn and grow as human beings.
I guess the whole point I'm trying to make here is that I don't really care what the cover of my book looks like. I just want people to see the pages that God has written for my life and accept me as I am—love me as I am. And love myself as I am.
Hey, isn't that really what everybody wants?
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”