July 4th, 2009 See the Christ in Him
What does it mean to ’see the Christ’ in someone?
Each and everyone of us have weaknesses and faults we sometimes cannot help. If you are fortunate enough to have taken control of your life and deal with your shortcomings then praise be to God. However, not everyone is so fortunate.
If someone is not leading an ideal life or has done something awful to you, then you should not judge or condemn them. We must always look for the good in that person – The Christ in him.
We were all created in God’s image which means we all have the potential to do good. We may not always understand why some people do the things they do. Sometimes circumstances in their life have led them to live as they do, but they are not necessarly ‘bad’.
The bible tells us “all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23)
We all have sinned and it is only through Jesus Christ can we be made free from sin. If someone has chosen not to believe in Jesus, then we must pray for them and hope one day they turn their life around.
Seeing the Christ in others is what helps us to love everyone, including our enemies, for this is what Christ commanded us to do.
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too.” Matthew 5:44-45
July 9th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
This is such an important reminder. Thank you! It can be very difficult to apply this in day-to-day living. I certainly need God’s help to accomplish seeing Christ in certain others. As I read this, a particular person has come to mind and I realize I haven’t been looking at them in the way Christ sees them! You have encouraged me to refocus in that area.
July 10th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Yes, it is not easy to see the Christ in some people, but essentially it what Jesus commanded when he said to love your enemies. It takes a little work and some patience, but if we don’t try, we will always hold grudges against people unnecessarily.