Through the Eyes of Love

One of the greatest encouragements I ever received came from a mom of three young boys, all of whom attended the Christian School where my own children attended and I was also privileged to work. The school was located at the edge of town and parents were responsible to drive their kids to and from each day. On this particular day, as they rounded the circular roadway in front of the classrooms, one of her young boys spied me on the sidewalk and quipped, “Look Mom! It’s the one who loves us!”

He was right, of course. I absolutely did love them, as well as the rest of the three hundred plus students enrolled at our school. I delighted in them and can say with absolute honesty that in my seven-year tenure there, I’m probably able to count the number of bad days I had on one hand.

His declaration reminds me of the story of the rich young man told in the Gospels of Matthew 19:16-23, Luke: 18-23, and Mark 10: 17-22. My favourite of these renditions is Mark’s because he includes this one line (pertaining to the rich, young man): “Jesus looked at him and loved him…” (NIRV). 

Now, I don’t know where you are on your spiritual journey, but I hope you can picture Jesus looking at you – and loving you. The picture tells you that you are loved, esteemed, and valued. That you matter to Jesus.

Taking that one step further, how different would the world be if when people looked at us, they saw us looking back with kindness in our eyes? What if those people who studiously avoid looking at anyone when they pass in the store aisle or sidewalk were greeted with a “Good morning.” Or “Hi there.” And when they looked, they’d see those eyes of kindness and care. Simple gestures have the ability to change hearts. And changed hearts change the world. 

A smile costs nothing. A kind word costs nothing, and yet both might be priceless to the recipient. Let’s follow the example of our Saviour and look at people through and with the eyes of love.