Verse: Galatians 2:6-10
As for those who seemed to be important – whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance – those men added nothing to my message. 7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. 8 For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Thoughts
We learn something about God in this short passage. It's kind of an afterthought in Paul's main discourse. But it's wildly powerful and challenging.
Paul says, "God does not judge by external appearance."
Think about that. If God doesn't judge by external appearance, than neither should we.
But do we?
Do I size up people based on what they are wearing? Do I make decisions about the type of person they are? Do I make assumptions about their character or even morality based on how they look? Do I make judgements about their lives based on how they act and talk?
It feels almost impossible not to do this. Something in us is hardwired to size people up quickly and to make snap judgements. We also tend to assume the worst, instead of assuming the best. Have you ever noticed that!?
But God is not like that. And that's the point this morning. Take a moment to reflect on how amazing it is that God doesn't make judgements based on external appearances. He looks at the heart. He looks at who we are on the inside.
And can we become more like him in this area? Can we ask the Holy Spirit to teach us to look past the external and see people for who they are? To start to assume the best of people? To love people in spite of their flaws or quirks?
If we can do this, we will become much more loving and kind people. Let's ask God to teach us his ways!
Prayer
I pray that you would teach me how to see people they way you see them God!