Scripture Reading
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
— John 7:24 (NKJV)
I attended an event where the speaker projected a simple image onto the screen: a glass of water. Then came the familiar question: “Is the glass half full or half empty?”
Naturally, the audience was divided. Some saw the glass as half full, while others saw it as half empty.
It was a sales motivation conference, and the question was designed to reveal whether we tend to think positively or negatively. I answered, “Half full.” But then I realized something deeper: The question itself is rhetorical. The real answer depends on one key factor: your personal experience with the glass.
Think about it.
If the glass was empty when you first saw it and you poured in water halfway, you’d likely say it’s half full. But if the glass was once full and you poured out half the water, you’d probably say it’s half empty.
Perspective. That’s what frames our opinions − whether we lean toward optimism or pessimism, whether we agree or disagree on an issue. Our experiences shape our viewpoints.
It reminds me of something from debate class. Remember how we learned that every argument has two sides? Later, when I began studying law, my instructor made that lesson come alive. On the very first day, he divided the class into two groups − one to represent the plaintiff and the other, the defendant. We presented our cases and received our grades.
Then came the twist: He switched our roles. The plaintiff’s team now had to argue for the defense, and the defense had to represent the plaintiff. Our success depended on how well we could understand and defend a position we once opposed.
That exercise taught me one of the most valuable lessons of all: truth and understanding often live somewhere between both sides.
(As a side note, I didn’t finish law school − family obligations took precedence − but I still hold deep respect for that noble profession.)
What I want to convey today is this: Before judging others for seeing things differently, pause to consider their perspective. Life shapes each of us uniquely. The person beside you may have walked a path that led them to see the same “glass” in a completely different way.
We learned this lesson back in high school debate class, so how did we grow up and forget it?
Application
Before reacting to someone whose opinion differs from yours, take a moment to ask yourself, What might their experience have been? When we take time to understand the perspective behind a person’s belief, we often find empathy and even wisdom that we might have otherwise missed.
Reflection Question
When was the last time you took a moment to see a situation from someone else’s point of view? How might doing so change the way you respond?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the reminder that perspective shapes how we see the world and one another. Teach me to listen with compassion and to respond with grace when opinions differ. Help me to remember that understanding begins where judgment ends. May I see others through the lens of love, just as You see me.
Amen.
Voice of Hope by Marlene 