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It Matters How We See Something

By Irini Fambro

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” –John 8:10–11

I remember the day it happened. I can feel the uncomfortable metal school desk underneath me. The smell of middle school boys around me who had yet to grasp the importance of deodorant. The sound of the overhead transparency machine humming. The taste of pure dryness in my mouth as the teacher asked me a question. Oh, and of course, the sight of my teacher staring right at me and asking if I could read out loud the math problem displayed on the wall in front of me. I squinted. I tried to scoot further up in my seat to see if I could get closer. I mumbled and stuttered a bit, “Ummm . . . uhhhh.” I didn’t have an answer. It seems simple now. I should have been honest and said I couldn’t read the problem. But as an Egyptian growing up in Alabama, I spent my whole life trying not to be any more different than I already was. Yet, all my efforts did not hide the truth: I couldn't see the problem.

It matters how we see something. How I saw the math problem that day would greatly determine how I solved that problem. And I couldn’t see the problem no matter how hard I tried. Because on that day, I cared more about how people would see me if I had to wear glasses than if I couldn’t answer a problem.

It matters how we see something.

In John 8 we encounter a woman who was in pain. A woman who was in need. A woman defined by her present moment. Maybe that’s not how you remember her story. Most of the time she is called “the woman caught in adultery.” And that is how the people around her saw her, by her worst moment. If I’m being honest, I can do the same thing—see people through the lens of their worst moments. I noticed my problem the other day when I was listening to a sermon on Hebrews 11. At the mention of Abraham, I thought of how he lied about Sarah, which could have caused her to be violated by two kings. Later came David, and I thought about how he violated Bathsheba and murdered her husband. On and on the chapter mentions men and women of faith, and while the writer of Hebrews chose to mention their best moments, I saw their worst.

It matters how we see something.

Why did I see each character in the Bible from such a critical lens? Why do I tend to look at others in the same fashion? Maybe it’s because that is how I look at myself.

It matters how we see something.

In John 8, the religious leaders saw a woman in her worst moment and defined her by it. They did not care to find the man caught in adultery. Just her. They defined her worth and value by her sin. But Jesus saw things differently; love does that. Jesus saw a woman who was hurting. A woman who needed to be protected, defended, and safe.

They saw her sin. Jesus saw her pain.

They saw her consequences. Jesus saw her need.

They saw her present moment. Jesus saw her possible future.

The people around her demanded Jesus see her by her sin. But Jesus instead asked the people if they wanted to be seen by their sin. One by one they saw her, and they saw themselves. They saw her sin, and they saw their own. They saw from one perspective, but love offered a different point of view.

It matters how we see something.

So here I stand in my present moment with myself and with others. How will I choose to see them?

Will I choose to see their sin or their pain?

Will I choose to see their consequences or their need?

Will I choose to keep them tied to this present moment or look to their possible future?

It matters how we see something.

Love sees differently.

Prayer

Father, I come to You today spiritually near-sighted. Sometimes I get stuck seeing others from only their present or worst moments. Sometimes I see myself that way. Father, can You give me a fresh perspective? Make Your love so real to me that it changes how I see myself and others. Saturate me in Your love so I feel safe to bring You all my pain, need, and hopes for the future. Help me to see through the eyes of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Further Reflection

Is there an area of your life that you think about often? It can be in your personal life, professional life, spiritual life, etc. Ask yourself . . .

• Am I too hard on myself in this area?
• Do I avoid talking about this area with others or talk too much about it?
• How would Jesus see this part of my life?
• What would Jesus say to me right now?

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?