I’m occasionally tempted to judge someone by their appearance or some sort of external information. I’m prone to making quick assessments of someone’s character, intelligence, talent, or even holiness based on a picture they post online, how they order coffee, or what shoes they’re wearing. While occasionally accurate, these types of thoughts are always interlaced with pride and therefore need to be identified and rejected.

I’m comforted that even great men of God can fall into this trap. The prophet Samuel sees Jesse’s sons and assumes that one of the big, strong, handsome, older brothers has been chosen to be anointed as the next king of Israel. Instead, he’s reminded,

“Do not look on his appearance, on the height of his stature…for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

As we strive to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, we need to ask him to see others as he sees them so we can love them as he loves them. We can’t control judgmental thoughts that jump into our heads, but we can absolutely allow the Holy Spirit to control them. This week, let’s ask the Lord to help us hold every thought captive, especially those directed towards others.

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Truth from Scripture:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8

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Wisdom from the Saints:

“I see in my neighbor the Person of Jesus Christ.”

// St. Gerard Majella