When you read or hear about people through the news media, it’s possible for you to have all kinds of ideas about them. But it’s important you don’t form opinions about others based on what you read or heard about them in the news.

 

In many societies today, it’s easy to find negative news published about the leaders because they’re always in the spotlight. But not everything written about them is true. I learnt a long time ago never to believe such stories but to act like Jesus: “…and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears” (Isaiah 11:3). You don’t have to be in the same place with some of these leaders or have a relationship with them before you appreciate them. Appreciate them for their work.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:12 (AMP) says, “Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you \[recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all\] – your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you.” One of those things that have come to us – everyone of us – as a gift from God, is the ability to appreciate people; to like them, love them, and genuinely appreciate them.

 

Learn to see others through the eyes of love and cherish them more for who they are and the good things they do. Don’t believe all that others say about them. Have the necessary assumption that others are good and nice; start from there, and then let them be the ones to create their own images.