Perceptions.....

How do we gain an accurate perception of someone.....


Do we take a look at their facebook profile, and form a view from the comments they make, photos they post and the way their life seems to be playing out on the page?


Do we read their blog, see the subjects which they are passionate about and often speak about, and then form our opinions?


Do we come to a conclusion through what we have heard others say about them?


How do we gain an accurate perception of someone.....


Do we note the things they say and do in church, school, uni or on ends and evaluate who they are from those limited times in which we interact with them?


Do we stalk them or attach an unseen camera to them for a number of days, until we know everything from their favourite ice cream to the average time they wake up in the morning and go to bed in the evening? (Disclaimer: This one is a No!)


Do we poke at their insecurities until finally they either explode or close up altogether?

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How do we gain an accurate perception of someone.......


Do we begin to invest more time into getting into their life and finding out the deeper parts of their character and personality?


Do we start to speak less and listen more?


Do we read between the lines and if possible hear what they're not saying?


How do we gain an accurate perception of someone.....


Do we pray for them and ask God to reveal something of their heart, so we can begin to minister to them (and not backbite or slander them)?


Do we love them until in the end they become real with us?


Do we forget all the psychological methods (and what we've read in books) and just start to love them, so that in time they begin to open up?

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And if only God completely sees the heart, and only he knows exactly what he put in each individual's character and personality (down to every molecule and chromosone, nerve ending and brain wave), can we really ever fully gain an accurate perception of someone?

Maybe it frees us to let God be the judge, so we can minister love.

Or maybe a somewhat accurate perception can begin with a heart of love......

I'd like to find out.

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Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment- John 7:24