22. Self-awareness and reflective capacity help me see others as God sees them.

(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.)

WHO IN YOUR LIFE DO YOU FIND MOST DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT?

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THEM THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO CONNECT WITH THEM?

WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO BE WITH THEM?

HOW DO YOU THINK GOD FEELS ABOUT THEM?

As we grow and mature in self-awareness, and as our reflective capacity increases, we experience several benefits. First, we see ourselves more clearly and make what we see available to the Spirit for the transformation into our true self. Second, we enhance the relationship between ourselves and God. Third, we experience God’s acceptance of our real self and begin to see ourselves as God sees us.

There is one more benefit of self-awareness and reflective capacity. As we grow in this area, we can begin to see others as God sees them, we see their beauty, and often we see the person they could become. There are many forces in our world that invite us to see the bad in others, to see the differences, to judge others, to hold prejudices, and even to oppress others. Self-awareness invites the Spirit to help us see others without prejudice and judgment.

As we accept the real, broken, self that we are, it becomes easier for us to accept the real, broken, persons we interact with regularly. As we accept others and develop honest relationships with them, we can serve as mirrors to each other, helping each other see the good and bad in ourselves. God longs for us to grow in self-awareness, not only for our good, and for the relationship between us, but for the good of all creation.