Scripture
Luke 7:3-7
“The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
Observation
What a difference perspective makes! This guy wanted Jesus to heal his servant, so he sent his friends to Jesus to brag about how much he deserved a miracle. He didn’t even bother to make the time to come to Jesus in person to make the request! How arrogant could he be?!
Jesus looked beyond the surface of what appeared to be an attitude of arrogance, and chose to see him through the lens of grace–giving him the benefit of the doubt. When further truth was revealed, the centurion confessed that the reason he hadn’t come in person was because of his own insecurity and lack of confidence–he didn’t feel he was worthy to meet Jesus face to face! What had appeared to be arrogance, was insecurity and fear. Jesus looked beyond the surface and the bad first impressions, to see the heart behind.
Application
First impressions are not always accurate. When someone jumps into a conversation with me, it’s easy for me to make assumptions about their attitude and motives…and then interact with the rest of the conversation based on the assumptions I’ve made.
I need to remember to respond like Jesus–by being slow to react, quick to show grace, and intentional to look deeper than the surface level appearances.
When I do this, it creates an opportunity for healthy communication–and gives the other person room to grow as an individual.
Prayer
God- thank you for knowing my worst, but seeing my heart through the lens of calvary. Help me to show grace to those around me, and take the time to see past the surface-level appearances. Help me not to make hasty assumptions about people, but rather see them with your eyes…and care enough about them to help them grow through their own fears, insecurities, and imperfections.
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