Seeing Everyone as God Sees Them
True brokenness means coming to the end of ourselves and realizing that without Jesus we can do nothing (John 15:5). Brokenness is not self-hatred or constant focus on our failures; it is recognizing our total dependence on Christ. However, once we are in Christ, we are not “without Him.” As believers, we are united with Jesus, strengthened by Him, and empowered to live victoriously.
Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:16–17, the Apostle Paul explains that once we are born again, we should no longer regard anyone “according to the flesh”—that is, from a merely natural or human perspective. Instead, we are to see people through the eyes of faith and the Spirit. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is being convinced of realities we cannot yet see. This spiritual vision applies not only to others, but also to ourselves.
Many Christians struggle because they continue to see themselves according to the flesh—focusing on weaknesses, failures, and sin. They think this mindset is humble or spiritual, but it actually contradicts Scripture. The Bible says that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has passed away and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Believers are called to see themselves as God sees them: crucified with Christ, dead to sin (Romans 6:11), alive in Him, and seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Victory over sin begins with understanding and believing this identity.
The Word of God is described as a mirror. But it is not meant to highlight only our defects; it reveals who we are in Christ—more than conquerors, filled with His righteousness, joy, love, and strength. If we look into this mirror and then forget what it says about us, we will lack power to live it out. Freedom comes through knowing and believing the truth.
The message then expands to how we see other believers. We must not judge fellow Christians according to their natural weaknesses. If we constantly focus on others’ flaws, our lives will be filled with negativity and darkness. Instead, we are to see our brothers and sisters as God sees them—in Christ, filled with goodness, knowledge, and the ability to encourage and lead others (Romans 15:14). When we adopt this spiritual perspective, our lives are filled with light and hope.
Finally, the teaching challenges us not to view unbelievers according to the flesh either. Although they are not yet saved, 2 Corinthians 5:19 says that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. Through Jesus’ death, the sins of all humanity were placed on Him. While not everyone receives salvation, the work of reconciliation has already been accomplished through the cross. Therefore, we are called to see unbelievers through the lens of what Jesus has done for them and share the good news that salvation is available. They need only to receive what Christ has already provided.
In summary, this message emphasizes three key truths:
Do not see yourself according to the flesh—see yourself as a new creation in Christ.
Do not see other believers according to the flesh—see them as God sees them in Christ.
Do not see unbelievers according to the flesh—see them through the reconciling work of the cross.
Living this way transforms how we think, relate to others, and share the gospel. By faith, we embrace our identity in Christ and extend that same vision of hope to everyone around us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What does it practically mean to “come to the end of ourselves” without falling into condemnation or self-defeat?
How does seeing other believers as God sees them affect unity, encouragement, and discipleship in the church?
How does viewing unbelievers through the finished work of the cross change the way we share the gospel?
PRAY CARE SHARE IN ACTION
Pray to change the way we see others. Help us not to judge our brothers and sisters by their struggles, but to see them through spiritual eyes—with hope, patience, and love. Let our words build up, encourage, and strengthen one another.