Learning to See People as They Truly Are.

We live in a world where people are often defined by what they have—their jobs, wealth, appearance, achievements, or social status. But beneath all these layers lies a unique individual with intrinsic value. How can we learn to see people beyond these societal constructs and truly connect with them?

How Jesus Saw People

Jesus was a radical in how He saw and treated others. He did not categorize people based on status, wealth, gender, or past mistakes. He dined with tax collectors (Matthew 9:10-12), spoke to the marginalized (John 4:7-26), and healed the untouchable (Luke 17:11-19). His interactions were guided by love, seeing each person as made in the image of God.

The idea that every human is created in the image of God is foundational to Christian teaching:

“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” – (Genesis 1:27)

This truth changes our perspective in a profound way. If every person is created in God’s image, then no one is disposable or lesser than another. The homeless man on the street, the wealthy executive, the stranger in a crowd—all bear the imprint of the divine. Recognizing this compels us to treat every individual with dignity, respect, and love, not because of what they have or what they do, but simply because they exist as reflections of God’s glory. It also challenges our biases, making us aware that our judgments are often rooted in societal conditioning rather than spiritual truth.

C.S. Lewis on Seeing People Rightly

C.S. Lewis had profound insights into human nature and relationships. He reminds us that each person is not merely a mortal being but an eternal one, a truth that flows directly from the idea that we are all made in God’s image:

“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” – (The Weight of Glory)

Lewis recognized that how we treat people matters deeply, not just for the present but for eternity. He also warned against pride and judgment:

“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship.”

He emphasized the importance of humility and self-awareness, reminding us that every interaction carries spiritual significance. He wrote:

“When we meet another human being, we are helping one another toward one of two destinations: heaven or hell. It is in the small, ordinary acts of love that we either uplift or diminish those around us.”

Lewis also warned against seeing people as mere means to an end. In The Screwtape Letters, he critiques the tendency to categorize people based on usefulness or convenience, rather than seeing them as unique souls. If we internalize his insights, we will begin to treat every encounter with reverence, knowing that each person is on a spiritual journey just like us.

This perspective radically transforms how we see others. If we recognize the immense worth of every individual, our interactions will be filled with greater love, patience, and grace.

Values from Different Religions on Seeing Others Rightly

Other religious traditions also emphasize the importance of seeing beyond appearances and recognizing the dignity of every individual, though they express it in different ways:

• Buddhism: Compassion (karuṇā) and loving-kindness (mettā) toward all beings.
• Islam: The belief in universal brotherhood, as seen in Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon: “An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab.”
• Hinduism: The concept of Atman, which teaches that the divine spark exists in all.
• Judaism: The principle of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world through justice and kindness.

These teachings highlight that every person is worthy of love, respect, and connection, regardless of external circumstances.

Practicing This Daily

Living out these values is tough and requires intentionality. Here’s how we can begin:

1. Start with Family and Friends: Often, we overlook those closest to us. Actively listen, show appreciation, and be present.
2. Extend Grace to Strangers: Offer a smile, show patience, and practice small acts of kindness.
3. Challenge Assumptions: When you catch yourself judging someone based on their job, appearance, or wealth, pause and remind yourself that they have struggles and dreams just like you.
4. Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Ask people about their stories rather than making assumptions.
5. Develop Empathy: Try to understand others’ perspectives, even when you disagree.
6. Daily Reflection: Before bed, reflect on how you interacted with people that day. Did you truly see them for who they are?

Final Thoughts

I have found that seeing people as they truly are is not something that happens overnight—it is a lifelong process of unlearning biases and choosing to engage with others intentionally. It requires humility to admit that my first impressions are almost always wrong, mindfulness to pause before making judgments, and a willingness to listen deeply.

I am learning that when I look at someone beyond their status, their role, or how they appear, I begin to see glimpses of something greater—their fears, their hopes, their struggles, and the beauty of their soul. And in doing so, I also start to change. I become more patient, more compassionate, and more open to truly connecting with others.

There are days when I fail at this—when I rush through life too caught up in my own concerns to really see the people around me. But I remind myself that every day is a new opportunity to try again. Even the smallest shift in how I view and treat others can make a difference. And maybe, over time, these small efforts will ripple outward, making the world a little kinder, one interaction at a time.

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