Samuel 16:7 (Contemporary English Version)
But the Lord said to Samuel: Don’t judge Eliab by how handsome or tall he is. I have
rejected him. The Lord doesn’t think the way humans do. People judge others by what
they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts.
Encouragement
We live in a world that is quick to judge. How you look, how you talk, how much you achieve, how many followers you have—it all counts. Sometimes you start to see yourself that way too. You compare yourself to others, you doubt yourself, you feel pressure to be “good enough”. But this Bible verse makes you pause: God sees things differently. He sees more than your outward appearance. He looks at your heart: your intentions, your honesty, your desire to do good.
Samuel thought that the biggest and strongest son of Jesse would surely be the right king. That seems logical, right? But God ultimately chose David, the youngest, the shepherd. That is encouraging: God can use someone who is overlooked by others.
In the church, this happens when someone who is quiet prays faithfully, helps make coffee, or offers a listening ear. Not flashy, but precious.
In society, you see it in a colleague who is reliable, even when no one is watching. Or in a young person who is ‘not cool’ but remains righteous. God sees that. And it counts.
Ask to pause
Where do you allow yourself to be led by appearance, status, or performance—in others or in yourself? And what would change if you learned to see yourself through God's eyes?
Take this with you
- God knows you inside and out and is not ashamed of you.
- Your value does not depend on appearance or success.
- Choose one small step of honesty and love today; that will show your heart.
Final thought
People look at what is before their eyes. God looks at your heart. That is why you do not have to live for appearances. You can live in freedom: seen, loved and called by God.