We view people who are different from us through filters. We have gender, ethnicity, life experience, and personal preference filters. There is nothing wrong with these filters unless they become a rigid lens through which we see and judge someone. This corrupted lens transmits a jaded and prejudiced view of people and life itself.

When Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth he said, “As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point” (I Corinthians 4:3). Our judgment about people is not trustworthy. It is always clouded by the lens we use to see and interpret their lives. What we are unable to see is what is happening in someone’s heart. That is a realm of insight only seen by God. 

“So, don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives” (I Corinthians 4:5).