God does not see us as others do.

​1Today’s devotion is based on 1 Samuel 16:7, “The LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
I love this Bible verse. It reminds me of the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”  God sent Samuel, to anoint Israel’s next king. God told him the person he was to anoint as king would be one of the sons of a man named Jesse. When he saw Jesse’s oldest standing tall in front of him, his impressive appearance convinced Samuel that this must be the one who would be king.
But he was wrong, for as you read, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at.” Thankfully, that is still true; not just for God choosing kings, but in you for when the Lord looks at you, he doesn’t see what others see. He sees a person remade into the person he intended his human creation to be in the first place. He sees a person made righteous by his sacrifice.
Please pray with me; Lord, thank you for what you have done, are doing, and will do for me during my time on this earth. Thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Help me to become a better reflection of your love toward me and others. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.