“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
By Rev Jay Robinson, Murumbeena Uniting Church
I don’t go around quoting this verse, but I do carry it on my heart. I was once in a conversation with a group of young adults where we were talking about our gifts and skills and how we live them out.
One of them made the comment that I don’t judge people, that they feel they can always come to me with any situation or story and that I will hear them without passing judgement.
I hadn’t realised how important to me it was not to judge people. I firmly believe, and have said a number of times, that God created every one of us and that God knows and loves every one of us so who am I to view things differently?
In this verse, God is instructing Samuel as to who the next king is going to be and it turns out to be someone very different to whom Samuel had imagined – it was David.
Like the phrase “you can’t tell a book by its cover” we shouldn’t be judging others on their appearance or sometimes even their actions. God does not see as we see, for God it is the heart that is important, we need to give people time to show us their hearts.
It’s not always easy to do but I always try to get to know someone rather than judge them. I am continually surprised at the people I get to meet and be with. They are all amazing children of God.
