The Blinded

Here’s a verse I’ve read many times before, but never quite read it this way and had the impact it had.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
— 2 Corinthians 4:4

There are some great truths in this verse, but what I want to focus on is the “blinded the minds” part. We what’s wrong with the world and that we have an enemy, but how often do we see this other “fruit” of the devil’s influence? I’m speaking about blindness.

Let’s look at Jesus Christ, for example – he put it another way:

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
— Luke 23:34

What inspirational words – but wait, when did Jesus say this? When he was hanging on the cross!!

Now picture it: Jesus Christ had just suffered immensely: he was ridiculed, humiliated, mocked – now He is in the midst of an excruciating death and yet, he says “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” – amazing! I can’t even pretend I would be able to do that, but that’s where Jesus Christ was at.

He could see the spiritual side of things. And you know what He saw?

In the midst of all that pain, suffering, humiliation, mental and physical exhaustion – in the midst of it all, Jesus Christ still looked on the people with compassion. What an awesome Savior!

And – He still has that same “look of compassion” today.

Now, what about you? What about me? Can we see when people are blind? If not, we need to start seeing that. Once we tune our “spiritual senses”, we’ll be able to have compassion on those around us and give them true Love.

Sure, you’ve heard this before – but really think about it. To me, this is a step beyond “love your enemies” – we can love our enemies in a very real, physical way, and yet, still not have an ounce of God’s love. We can fall into the “doing not being” lifestyle.

That’s why it’s so important to see people as “blind” if they truly don’t know any better – “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” That’s what “being love” is like.

It’s going to be hard work – are you up to the challenge?