Listen

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

Think

Many of us have a bad habit of judging people by their appearance. We think that what we see on the outside tells us all we need to know. There is so much more to all of us than what can be seen on the outside!

In our scripture, Samuel assumes that God will choose the strongest person to be king or the one who looks most impressive. God reminds Samuel that what’s on the outside isn’t what’s most important. God looks at our hearts, sees our potential, and believes in us. Even when everyone else underestimates us, God sees all we can be.

God calls us to look deeper too. Instead of making snap judgments about people, God calls us to look at the hearts of others, to believe in them and build them up. Let’s take a broader view of ourselves, holding onto the truth that God believes in us. Let’s also take a broader view of others, remembering that God believes in them too.

Tempest Strunge

Question to Ponder:

Why do we often judge people based on outward appearances?

Pray

God, I admit I have judged ________ unfairly. Help me to remember you believe in me. Remind me to look deeper to see the good in others.

Amen.

Go

May the peace of God reign in this place

and the love of God forever hold you tight.

May the Spirit of God flow through your life

and the joy of God uphold you day and night.

John Birch, Faith and Worship site, 2021