pWhat does it mean to not look at people from a ‘worldly point of view’? First up, some context. In the previous few verses, Paul has explained that we’re waiting on a new body that God will give us in ‘our heavenly dwelling’ (v. 4 NIV). That changes how we could (and should) relate to others.br /
When God gets in, and starts to re-furb you into a ‘new creation’, those changes make you more and more free to live for Him (v.17). We do have to remember, though, that it’s a process. We’re all still in an earthly form that isn’t completely-Christ-like yet. Easy enough to accept about ourselves, but we’ve got to remember that about others, too. They’re under construction as well. Giving people room for grace when they aren’t acting perfectly is part of being human: acknowledging others are on a journey with God just as you are. The same goes for others who aren’t yet Christians. Who knows what God is doing in the deepest places of their heart? The best response when you meet someone you wish God was working on a-little-bit-faster-please, is to make the most of the good you see. Truth is, God holds fast to you despite any pain you cause. When we’re open enough with Him to accept that, and live ‘for him who died for them and was raised again’ (v. 15 NIV), we’ll be in a place to treat others with the same grace./p
pWhat now?br /
Use the margin to jot down five godly-qualities in people, that you love seeing in others. Then today, when you see someone living one of them out, compliment them on it./p