New Creature

 

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So, from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NIV)

 

Paul tells the believers at Corinth and us that we are to view others as God looks upon them not as humans do. Have we looked down on someone because he or she looked different than ourselves? Because they do not have things as nice as we have? Or is it that they seem to have things better than what we have, and they seem to let us know they do? Have their actions been contrary to what is appropriate? Maybe their language is not as refined as ours?

 

One of the first lessons we may have learned as Christians is that we are not to judge others. Instead, we are to pray for them. We do not know their circumstances. When we pray, we must ask God to give us His eyes with which to view them.

 

Then Paul explains why. Once a person asks God into their hearts, He takes away the bad things and replaces them with good things, things that reflect Him and His love for all mankind.

 

I must confess, I am guilty of looking at a person wrongly. I witnessed behavior that went against the plan of the person that headed up a project of which I was a part. I chose not to say anything because I was new to this group. Recently, have been asked to pray for that erring person. I want to be fully honest before God about this person’s behavior and how it affected me. Please pray for me.