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Article: Beyond Appearances: Seeing with God's Eyes

Verse of the Week - December 31st 2023 HolStrength
Bible verses

Beyond Appearances: Seeing with God's Eyes

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"

- 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)

In a world obsessed with appearances, it's easy to fall into the trap of judging others—or even ourselves—based on outward qualities. We often make assumptions about people's worth, abilities, or potential simply by what we see on the surface. But God's perspective is radically different. 

In 1 Samuel 16:7, we see this truth vividly illustrated. When the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint the next king of Israel, he was naturally drawn to Eliab, the eldest son of Jesse, because of his impressive appearance. But God had different plans. He reminded Samuel that while humans may judge based on what they see on the outside, He looks at the heart.

This verse challenges us to reconsider how we view others and even ourselves. Are we placing undue emphasis on outward appearances, status, or achievements? Are we judging people prematurely without truly understanding their hearts?

God's message is clear: true value lies not in our physical appearance or worldly accomplishments but in the condition of our hearts. He is interested in our character, our motives, and our relationship with Him. He sees our innermost thoughts and desires, our struggles, and our strengths.

As we strive to live lives pleasing to God, let's remember to cultivate hearts that align with His will. Let's prioritize qualities such as kindness, compassion, humility, and integrity—qualities that reflect the character of Christ. And let's extend the same grace to others, choosing to see them through God's eyes, with love and understanding.

Today, let's ask God to help us see beyond the surface—to look past outward appearances and focus on what truly matters: the heart. And may we continually seek to grow in faith and obedience, knowing that in God's eyes, our worth is found not in who we are on the outside but in whose we are in our hearts.

7 comments

Amen! This is really important especially in the fitness industry specifically. We can take rest in the promises of God, because we know that despite the lies and attacks of the enemy onto our insecurities or even onto how we view others, we can rest in the promises of God that he views us internally. We were created in his image, and where man fails, Jesus succeeds.
Glory to his name! In Jesus’ name, amen. 🙏

CeeDee Davis

Powerful message!

Eunice

Loving the Lord and Jesus is the greatest, then passing that love onto others is even better 🙏🏼

Jim Corcino

All day Gods dropped little nuggets that tie into each other, as I’m going thru prep for compilation, I need him more then ever! And today I know he heard me 🙏🏼 thank you for this devotion!

AprilRose Garcia

Love the integrity of this brand❤️ God bless🙏

Valen

Praise God🔥

Isbo

Thank you to whoever took the time to meditate on this and write it out, I was thinking about a verse that God had kept pointing out to me a few days ago and kept wondering where it was leading me and what he wanted me to learn from it, and literally like 5 minutes before I had read this, I was watching a testimony video on blasphemy and how even though Paul was one, God still forgave him. And it had talked about this verse and it jus stuck out to me for a second and then Reading this I understand why God had been pointing me to that verse these past few days.🙏🏽

Tony

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