Looketh on the Heart

    There have been many times in my life in various school, work, or team situations where I find myself "judging a book by the cover."  In doing this I not only am being unkind but I also miss out on many great opportunities.  It could have been a great friendship, the chance to learn new skills, or even the ability to help someone who needs my help.
     Even further I realized that as time went on I was becoming angry or frustrated with people over silly, simple things.  I was choosing to take offense rather than try to listen or discern the intent with which something was said.  This leads me to a very humbling experience I had with a verse of scripture in the Bible.  "But the LORD looketh on the heart."  (1 Sam. 16:7)
     This verse spake to me a lesson.  Just because someone's actions or words do not please my eyes or the eyes of the world does not mean those things are not pleasing to the Lord.  "The LORD looketh on the heart." ...or the intent with which something is done.  As I sat reflecting on all the times I thought wrongfully of others because of their "wrong" actions (in my eyes) I found myself thinking about all I had done during the last weeks.  My eyes were opened to all of my faults and I was humbled.  I am no better than another student, a coworker, or teammate.  I fact, I am probably worse.  As I was pondering these things I was over come with a sense of peace.  I know that God still loved me regardless of my faults because..."[He] looketh on the heart."  As I try to do good things, there are times I will come up short, that I may not live up to someone else's expectations, but God knows the intents of my heart.  I know he lives, he loves me, he knows me.  With this new understanding of the unconditional love I am given I have an overwhelming drive to express this same love and kindness to those around me.  I have chose to "look on the heart."