See Others As Jesus Sees Them
– So You Can Love Them The Way He Does
Introduction
Seeing others through God’s eyes is essential for transforming relationships. Our natural inclination is to judge, react, or assign motives, but God calls us to something radically different. When we begin to understand the eternal value God places on each person, our treatment of them changes. We become more patient, more compassionate, and more aligned with His heart. This shift enables us to bring God’s love into every relationship and interaction.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” — John 13:34
The Created Value of Every Person
Every person carries God-given worth because they were created intentionally by Him. Their value does not come from performance, personality, achievements, or failures. It is anchored in their design, purpose, and eternal destiny.
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” — Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)
When we see people as image-bearers, we stop relating to them based on irritations, past hurts, or expectations. Instead, we start viewing them as God’s workmanship, individuals with destiny, dignity, and deep potential.
How Does God See People?
God sees beyond behavior and into the heart. He sees wounds, pressures, fears, and lies that shape people’s actions. His view is not limited to the present version of a person—He sees who they were created to become. That perspective is crucial because it allows us to love people not based on performance but on God’s revealed intention for them.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature… For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” — 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
God’s love is unwavering because it is rooted in His character, not human conduct. If we adopt this posture, we become more willing to extend grace to others—even when they fall short.
How Do We Know God Loves Every Person?
God loves every single person profoundly and sacrificially.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” — John 3:16 (NKJV)
“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)
“For the love of Christ compels us… that if One died for all, then all died.” — 2 Corinthians 5:14 (NKJV)
Because God loves all people deeply, our responsibility is to reflect that same posture. When we withhold love, we are misrepresenting Him. When we extend love—even when it is difficult—we become ambassadors of His heart.
How Does God Want Us to See and Treat Others
God desires that we view others through the lens of compassion, honor, and patience. This does not mean ignoring sin or avoiding truth—it means leading with love so truth can be received. Jesus did this perfectly.
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” — Romans 12:10 (NKJV)
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
When we treat people the way God treats us, we build bridges instead of walls. We show compassion instead of criticism, patience instead of irritation, and honor instead of contempt. These actions reveal God’s character to the world.
What Does Love Look Like in Real Relationships?
Love is not abstract. It is visible in how we speak, listen, respond, and handle conflict. Love requires intentional choices—especially when emotions pull us in the opposite direction. Without practical action, love remains theoretical.
“Let all that you do be done with love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NKJV)
“Above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” — 1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV)
Love looks like compassion in the face of frustration, forgiveness where offense used to live, and patience when someone’s weaknesses are on full display. These are the moments where Christ is revealed most clearly through us.
Do I See Others the Way God Sees Them? ( A Self Test)
Seeing others through God’s eyes begins with awareness. Most of us don’t realize that we interpret people through filters shaped by past wounds, assumptions, fears, or personal expectations. These filters distort our perception and limit our ability to love well.
This self-test table below helps you slow down and examine the lens you’re using. When you compare your natural responses to God’s perspective, you can begin identifying where your vision needs to be renewed, where compassion is missing, and where judgment or fear has replaced love.
|
Category |
Human / Fallen View Of Others |
Enlightened View – How God Sees Them = I See Them |
|
Identity |
They are defined by how they look, what nationality they are, what ethnic group they belong to, how they dress, where they live, what car they drive, what job they do, how difficult they are to work with, or the reputation they have. |
They are image-bearers with God-given worth, doing their best to get by in this fallen world. |
|
Behavior |
Their actions define them. That is who they are. |
Their actions reflect wounds, not identity. |
|
Potential |
They will never change, cant change, don’t want to change. |
God transforms anyone who is willing to yield to Him. |
| Motives |
They may intend harm. They may be working against me. |
They may well be acting from pain or blindness. |
|
Value |
They are not important to me unless they can help me. |
They matter deeply to God—and to me. |
Questions to Ask
- When I think of a difficult person, what is my first thought about them?
- Do I interpret their behavior as identity, or do I see their potential in God?
- Am I more aware of their weaknesses or their worth?
- Do I assume motives, or do I pause to consider possible wounds or pressures?
- Do I value people based on how they treat me, or based on how God sees them?
- Who have I labeled instead of loved?
- Where is God inviting me to shift from a fallen perspective to His perspective?
Do I Love Others the Way God Does? (A Self Test)
Love is not defined by feelings or intentions but by behavior—how you show up, speak, respond, forgive, and remain present when relationships become challenging. This self-test helps you honestly examine whether your actions reflect the flesh or the Spirit. The goal is not condemnation but clarity. By identifying patterns of fallen love versus Christlike love, you can begin taking intentional steps toward healthier, more God-honoring relationships built on compassion, truth, forgiveness, and sacrificial care.
|
Area of Love |
Fallen-Minded Love |
Christlike Love |
|
Patience |
Short-tempered, irritated |
Slow to anger, understanding |
|
Forgiveness |
Holds grudges |
Forgives freely as Christ forgave |
|
Expectations |
Self-focused needs |
Seeks to bless others |
|
Communication |
Criticism or sarcasm |
Truth in love, gentleness |
|
Conflict |
Withdraw or attack |
Seek peace, reconcile |
Guiding Questions
-
- How do I typically respond when someone frustrates or disappoints me?
- Do my reactions reveal patience or irritation?
- Is my forgiveness quick and full, or slow and conditional?
- Do I communicate to gain advantage or to build up?
- When conflict arises, do I move toward reconciliation or toward withdrawal or attack?
- Do I expect others to meet my needs, or do I approach relationships as an opportunity to bless?
- What would it look like to “love them as Christ loved me” in my next interaction with them?
Practical Steps to See and Love Others Like God Does
- Pray daily: “Lord, help me see people the way You do.”
- Replace lies with Scripture truth.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32 (NKJV)
- Practice compassionate listening before responding.
- Ask Jesus: “What does my love look like right now?”
- Journal to identify patterns and progress.
Where Can I Learn More?
Growing in the ability to see others as God sees them and to love them with Christlike love requires ongoing immersion in Scripture, reflection, and exposure to teachers who model and explain the heart of God with clarity and depth. The resources below offer a strong foundation for continued growth.
1. Key Scriptures to Meditate On
These passages reveal God’s heart toward people and teach us how to adopt His perspective.
God’s View of Humanity and Love
-
-
- Genesis 1:26–27 – Created in His image
- Jeremiah 31:3 – Everlasting love
- John 3:16–17 – God’s love for the world
- Romans 5:6–8 – Christ died for the ungodly
- 2 Peter 3:9 – God desires all to come to repentance
- 1 John 4:7–21 – God is love; we love because He loved first
-
How We Should See and Treat Others
-
-
- Matthew 5:43–48 – Love your enemies
- Luke 6:27–36 – Mercy as the Father is merciful
- Romans 12:9–21 – Genuine love, honor, blessing persecutors
- Galatians 5:22–26 – Fruit of the Spirit
- Ephesians 4:1–3, 32 – Humility, gentleness, forgiveness
- Philippians 2:1–8 – The mind of Christ in relationships
- Colossians 3:12–17 – Compassion, patience, bearing with one another
-
Meditating on these verses daily reshapes the inner narrative and aligns the heart with God’s perspective.
2. Books and Written Resources
On God’s Love, Identity, and Transformation
“The Purpose Driven Life” – Rick Warren
Clear understanding of God’s purpose and how relationships fit into His design.
“Mere Christianity” – C.S. Lewis
Foundational insights on Christian virtue, humility, and the nature of love.
“The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness” – Timothy Keller
A short but powerful work on identity, humility, and seeing others rightly.
“Keep Your Love On” – Danny Silk
Practical relational tools rooted in honor, connection, and Christlike love.
“The Ragamuffin Gospel” – Brennan Manning
A deep dive into God’s compassion and how it transforms how we see others.
On Inner Transformation and the Renewed Heart
“Renovation of the Heart” – Dallas Willard
Why and how the mind, heart, and will are transformed into Christlikeness.
“Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” – Peter Scazzero
Understanding emotional immaturity that damages relationships and how to grow.
“Victory Over the Darkness” – Neil Anderson
Powerful grounding in identity and spiritual authority.
3. Video Resources (Teachers & Pastors)
Dan Mohler
Dan Mohler’s teaching is unmatched in addressing identity, love, and transformation. Search YouTube for:
“Dan Mohler – Identity in Christ”
“Dan Mohler – Loving Like Jesus”
“Dan Mohler – Seeing With God’s Eyes”
He offers practical, Spirit-filled explanations of how to walk in love without being controlled by emotion, offense, or fear.
John Bevere
“The Bait of Satan (Offense)”
Teaches how offense destroys relationships and how forgiveness restores freedom.
Joyce Meyer
Teachings on the Mind and Relationships
Clear, practical guidance on renewing the mind and walking in peace.
Francis Chan
“Lukewarm and Loving It?”
“You Are God’s Masterpiece”
Chan calls believers into deeper love, humility, and relational sacrifice.
Bible Project Videos
Videos on Love, Forgiveness, Holiness, and Image of God
Excellent visual explanations of biblical themes.
4. Pastors and Teachers Focused on Transformation & Love
Bill Johnson (Bethel Church)
Teaches the nature of God’s goodness and how love expresses heaven on earth.
Graham Cooke
Focuses on identity, new creation life, and seeing others through God’s lens.
Christine Caine
Encourages believers to live courageously, forgive deeply, and love boldly.
Henry Cloud & John Townsend
Clinical and biblical perspectives on relational health, boundaries, and growth.
5. Best Practices for Growth
Journal with Jesus
Capture insights, patterns, triggers, and victories as the Spirit guides you.
Memorize relational Scriptures
-
- Ephesians 4
- Colossians 3
- Romans 12.
Practice one behavior change per week
For example: “This week, I will listen without interrupting.”
Pray daily for God’s eyes
“Lord, help me see people the way You see them.”
Engage in community
Growth happens in real relationships, not isolation.
Ask wise believers to speak into your life
Invite honest feedback on how you interact with others.
Final Thoughts
You have a choice: you can keep seeing people through old filters shaped by wounds, fears, and assumptions, and you will continue experiencing the same relational frustrations. Or you can allow God to reshape your perspective—to see people as He sees them: valuable, redeemable, and worth loving. When you adopt His perspective, you naturally adopt His heart. And with His heart comes the ability to build relationships that honor Him, bless others, and ripple into eternity.
