POSSIBILITIES!
There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears (Isaiah 11:1-3).
IS THE PERSON WHO DOES BAD THINGS a bad person? Is the person who does good things a good person?
As human beings, we tend to consider a person bad or good, according to their behavior, but judging people this way can pause a serious problem. According to social psychologists, external or situational factors (relating to the environment or circumstances) act in the conduct of every individual, as well as internal or dispositional factors (relating to each person’s way of being). According to this way of evaluating behavior, a person may be doing good deeds (for example, donating money for charity), but not be a good person. On the other hand, a person might be living immorally and still not be a bad person in the innermost part of their heart.
What’s the use of knowing this? It prevents us from the very common mistake of judging others because of what we see. And it reminds us that while we look at what is before our eyes, God looks at the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7). And it’s a good thing He does!
Can you imagine what would have become of Zacchaeus, the hated chief of tax collectors, if Jesus had evaluated him based on what people said about him? What would have happened to Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of the nascent church? What about Mary Magdalene?
Oh, Mary Magdalene! I can’t imagine how many rumors circulated about her. But behold, one day someone—at last someone—who saw not only appearances, but also the circumstances surrounding her life crossed her path!
«Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the circumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every spark of hope in her soul, but He did not. . .
«When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary capabilities for good. «—The Desire of Ages, ch. 62, p. 568; emphasis added.
Did you notice? Christ knew the circumstances that surrounded her. While others saw the evil, the Lord saw in her the possibilities.
How good it is that, like Mary, God does not judge you according to appearances. I am certain He doesn’t derive His opinions from the rumors that circulate about you either. And how good that the Lord sees in you a whole world of possibilities! How will you take advantage of the opportunity He has given you?
Thank You, Jesus, because You could have extinguished every spark of hope in my heart, but You did not. Now I want to place at Your service that whole world of possibilities.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators:Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate