Never look down upon anyone

Near my home, there used to sit a middle-aged man who looked weak, always on clutches and basking under the sun. At most times when I left home for my errands, I could by pass him, sometimes without saying a word of greetings! My wife was different. She always stopped, greeted him and moved on. One day, she shared with him the Gospel of Christ’s love.

Later, my wife came to learn that this is a highly respected medical doctor in our country! I felt sad and embarrassed with my careless and condescending attitude. The next time I saw him, I greeted him with respect! What a shame!

“My dear brothers and sisters how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others? (James 2:1)

When people saw a sterile man in Abraham, God saw a father of nations (Gen 17:4). Jesus saw a precious person who needed forgiveness in the Samaritan woman. The disciples thought she wasn’t worthy to meet Christ (John 4:7-27). Village mates despised Jesus as a mere carpenter whose siblings and parents were known to them yet he is God Almighty! (Mark 6:1-3) He touched lepers. While disciples chased kids away as a nuisance Jesus welcomed and blessed them (Matt.19:13-15). He was accused of being a “friend of tax collectors and sinners” just because he saw the need in the person beyond outside appearances.

Everyone is created in God’s image. Everyone is highly valuable in God’s sight. Everyone deserves respect all the times. See the person behind that packaging. Stretch out your hands and greet that dirty person. Listen carefully to that begging voice. Welcome heartily the dirty and hungry looking visitor at church – even to your home.

It is written in 1John.2.6 – Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Let’s change our 🌎