I recently received a text that I thought I understood (mostly), but, even at the time, I subconsciously knew that that understanding was lacking. This morning a new understanding was laid on my heart. I knew this was the real meaning behind the words sent. At first, it hurt. It hurt because it was a reminder of the misperceptions this person has about me and about their prejudices. I started thinking about how and why this person has those misperceptions, but the Lord would not allow me to start doubting or blaming myself again. He said to me: “I love you and am proud of who you are and who you are becoming. This was not about you but about them.” For the first time, I truly believed it was Him saying “I love you and am proud of who you are and who you are becoming”. I filled up with tears sensing His deep Love.
The power of people’s perceptions about us can be strong. That power can, and often does, change us and/or our own perception of ourselves and others. Some will be determined to prove them wrong. Some will doubt and blame themselves for other’s misperceptions. Some will think badly about the person who has that perception. Very few do not sincerely ignore other’s perceptions, but especially misperceptions.
By allowing ourselves to give into perceptions (our own perceptions or others) can lead to stereotyping , which leads to prejudice, which leads to our attitude toward others.
What do I mean? When we form perceptions about others, we create a bias within ourselves. Often that leads to treating others in a manner based on that perception – that category in which our perceptions have placed them. We may not even recognize we are doing so. At least subconsciously, we treat others in a particular way based on what we THINK is their status, wealth/finances, intelligence, faith, goodness/badness, etc..
This doesn’t necessarily make us bad people with a prejudiced heart. It makes us human. But, IMHO, it is one of the “human” aspects we should try to overcome.
Of course, we cannot avoid perception. Every thought we have is based on our perception; how we view the person or situation. But there are 2 things that we can do.
- Examine our attitudes towards others when we have those perceptions. Do we automatically treat them a certain way based on those perceptions? Do we have a tendency to be condescending in attitude or words? Do we treat others any differently at all based on the category to which we have placed them?
- Do not let our perceptions be based on ignorance. If it is not a one and done meeting, then truly get to know the person. Avoid letting those perceptions dictate. Validate those perceptions through seeing that person without prejudice. Do not assume based on what you think you know, but rather find out for sure.
As I posted on FB this morning: Jesus does not expect us to be the best, but He does expect us to give our best. We should not be content to just know and love Him, or even just to try to lead others to Him. Rather we should strive to be more like Him every day in our attitude, actions and words!
We may miss out involving some really great people in our lives simply because of our perceptions, prejudice, and attitudes. More importantly, we may hurt others by our attitude without even realizing it. We may think that the other person does not know what we truly think of them, but trust me… some of us do, but we love you anyway!
blessedadorer 
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