Looking Through The Eyes of Love

In Isaiah 53:2-6: The Message (MSG) we read, "The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. But the fact is, it was our pains he carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong, on him, on him." While I realize that this scripture refers to Jesus, I couldn't help but think of the lost & less fortunate. I have to admit that I have been guilty in the past of looking "down my nose" on others who were "different" (ex:homeless, drug addicts, dirty, impoverished,etc.) with the attitude that they were indeed "reaping what they sowed". Since then, I have been introduced to the world of mental illness, drug addiction, poverty, & homelessness. I have been tremendously blessed and humbled by these ministries and getting to know those who fall under these curses. As I was reading this scripture, I couldn't help but think of my brothers & sisters who are struggling with the above conflicts. Yes, they are to a point "reaping what they sowed". When you think of the overall view of sin & the world, it is our sin as a whole that has infiltrated the world and instead of our faith & love overtaking our society, sin has overwhelmingly shown itself throughout. I may not personally have caused the curses or heartaches of others, yet it is sin, sin that I am guilty of in my own way, that has raised it's ugly head on & in others lives. I cannot help but hurt for others and love them if I truly understand the gospel & message of Christ. Instead of "looking down my nose", I need to truly be "looking through the eyes of love", Christ's love. Lord, help me to look beyond what I see in front of me, & look through your eyes at others. Instead of judgments, let me form prayers & action toward them. Amen.