Your View of Others

What do you see when you look at others? Do you have the tendency to view what they say or do as either black or white, as if no other colors or shades existed?  Is a comment someone makes either a compliment or an insult? Is someone either completely right or completely wrong?  Having that viewpoint would be like a photographer who ignores the large variety of brilliant hues and shades in an autumn landscape, as of only black and white images existed. Or do you tend  to concentrate on the negative areas of a person's personality, much like  traveler who lets his enjoyment of a beautiful scene be spoiled by a bit of litter left by some inconsiderate visitor? -Compare Ecclesiastes 7:16. 

Much can be learned by considering Jehovah's view of human error. While aware of man's many weaknesses and failings, he chooses not to focus or dwell on them. The grateful psalmist observed:  "If errors were what you watch . . .O Jehovah, who could stand?"  (Psalm 130:3) Jehovah is willing to put errors far off from repentant sinners, yes magnanimously wiping them out, so that they are not a blemish on our relationship with him.  (Psalm 51:1; 103:12)  Jehovah could say of King David, who had at one point committed serious sins with Bathsheba, that he was a man "who walked after me with all his heart by doing only what was right in my eyes." (1 Kings 14:8)  Why could God say this of David?  Because he focused on repentant David's better qualities.  He considered all the pertinent factors and chose  to continue to extend mercy to his servant.

Christ Jesus flawlessly mirrored this broad view of the faults of others.  (John 5:19) When faced with the shortcomings of his apostles, Jesus was merciful and understanding.  He recognized regarding imperfect humans that even when 'the spirit is eager, the flesh is weak.' (Matthew 26:41)  With this in mind, faults of his disciples in a patient and understanding manner.  He did not concentrate on their failings but, rather focused on their good qualities. 

 On one occasion after correcting the apostles because they argued about who seemed to be the greatest, Jesus added:   "However, you are the ones that have stuck with me in my trials; and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel." (Luke 22:24-30)  Yes, despite the apostles many failings, Jesus remembered their faithfulness and their love for him.  (Proverbs  17:17)  Jesus had confidence in what they could and would do, so he concluded a covenant for a Kingdom with them.  Yes, 'Jesus loved his disciples to the end.' -John 13:1

So  if someone's personality quirks and faults tend to irritate you, be like Jehovah and Jesus. Broaden your thinking, and try to take all factors into consideration. By putting things in their proper perspective,m you will find it easier to love and appreciate your brothers. 

Next time: In Material Giving

From the Watchtower magazine, 1999