Moving Toward Each Other in the Middle of a Divisive WorldSample

How To See Others

When I first recognized the power of my phone to edit pictures, I was elated. For the first time, I could crop out the things and people I didn’t want in the image. Yet I never really caught on to the craze of using filters on one’s photos (I know I am in the minority).

Filters on social media were a game-changer for many. The history of engaging, fun-to-use filters takes us back to the early days of Snapchat and playful “doggie ear” filters.

All these years later, filters still have the power to be destructive and contribute to loneliness in people’s lives. As it distorts reality, it can do a number on how one sees themselves and others.

When seeing the world through the filter of viewpoints, parties, and division, it can do a number on how we see ourselves and those of differing perspectives. In extreme cases, it can distort our realities and broaden the chasm between ourselves and those who think differently.

But what does Jesus say about that?

He asks us to remove the filter of competition and begin to see things more clearly. We can then begin to see ourselves and others with clarity and love—and through the only filter that matters—the scarlet-colored filter of Jesus’ blood.

Here are some signs that you may be using the wrong filter (especially when debating with others online):

• You prioritize being right over discovering the truth.
• You don't genuinely care about the person with whom you are arguing.
• You believe the person you're debating with is uninterested in the truth.
• You regard yourself as superior to your debate opponents.
• You refuse to acknowledge your own mistakes or the weaknesses in your stance.
• You insult others.
• You focus on proving them wrong rather than truly considering their arguments or the fact that they are image bearers of God.
• You get defensive and stop listening.

ACTION STEP

What would be different, in your opinion, if all believers took Matthew 5:9 to heart and began praying with humility?

If you need a prayer to guide you, feel free to use this “Peace Prayer” by St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.