Normal Like Me
Why are people not normal like me? I must admit, I have moments when another person’s habits, personality, or way of doing things draw that question right out of me. It may happen at a family gathering, in the middle of a busy checkout line, or anywhere people come together. Suddenly, I wonder why others cannot see or handle things the way I do. My preferences quietly become my definition of normal, and before long, I look at another person’s differences as flaws that need correcting. Can you relate? Yet when I expect others to fit my likeness, I can miss the beautiful truth that each person was created in God’s image. Scripture turns the mirror toward me and reminds me of that truth (Genesis 1:27). That includes the very people and situations that prompted my question in the first place.
Look Again
Truth be told that contrast may not be an inconvenience to erase, but an invitation to notice the breadth of our Creator’s workmanship (Psalm 139:14). I realize not every habit is healthy, and not every action should be excused, but I can still choose to let love speak first (1 Corinthians 13:4). If I can do that, the most loving question will not be, “Why aren’t you more like me?” but instead, “What can I learn about you?” Paul expands on this by telling us to practice humility, patience, and love toward others (Ephesians 4:2). Instead of looking inward when another person’s personality does not align with mine, I can look outward and allow Christ to change the way I see that person (2 Corinthians 5:16). Jesus brings this close to home when He says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). If I want others to make room for my quirks, ask before assuming, and see more in me than a frustrating habit or difficult moment, I had better listen to Jesus.
Love Like Jesus
Paul also tells us to value others above ourselves, and view others interests before our own (Philippians 2:3–4). This does not mean losing who God created you to be. It means becoming interested in who God created the other person to be. When you listen to their story and learn what matters to them, someone who once seemed difficult or strange may become someone you understand a little better. So, if I return to my first question… I realize it is because God never intended them to be like me. I can now transition my thoughts to love like Jesus would (John 13:34). The world does not need more people like me; it needs more people like Jesus… people who choose love over judgment, understanding over assumption, and relationship over being right. Maybe normal was never meant to mean “like me.” Maybe it was meant to remind me that the person I encounter is not mine to remake, but mine to love.
Dear Lord, help me see other people through Your eyes and love them with a heart like Yours.
Amen.
Genesis 1:27
Psalm 139:14
1 Corinthians 13:4
Ephesians 4:2
2 Corinthians 5:16
Luke 6:31
Philippians 2:3-4
John 13:4
— Phil
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Today’s Scripture
Genesis 1:27
The Creation of the World
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Psalm 139:14
Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
1 Corinthians 13:4
The Way of Love
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.
Ephesians 4:2
Unity in the Body of Christ
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
2 Corinthians 5:16
The Ministry of Reconciliation
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.
Luke 6:31
Love Your Enemies
31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Philippians 2:3-4
Christ’s Example of Humility
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
John 13:34
A New Commandment
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.