Perception is such a powerful thing. How we perceive people and ultimately how we see God shapes so many things.
This is very evident in the work place... often it is not performance but perception of performance. It is not what we think or feel, no one can see that. It is the perception that has impact.
Grace by it's nature puts a monkey wrench in perception because it unveils something eternal. It does not ignore perception it just draws you beyond it.
"Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
"We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." - 2 Corinthians 5:12-15 ESV
People will think us mad but love constrains us in as winners of souls.
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:30 NKJV
I want to understand perception but not function as a man-pleaser. Grace makes us into soul winners who are out of our minds but lovingly work to provide clarity so no 'air' forms in-between. Each relationship has some other soul involved that needs to be won in grace. That goes for edification and evangelism alike.
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