Bias

How often are we biased about our opinion about someone. Especially with respect to one of the first proverbs we learnt -"First impression is the best impression"

Our opinion about someone is quiet often determined by the etiquette, the demeanor and body language of that person in our very first encounter. That is why we often love someone and hate someone, without any absolute reasons. Because we have labelled them based on our bias. 

Very often we have labelled new people who have come afresh in our lives, only to later realize that they are not the person whom we thought to be. Both a good and bad detours they have taken. We thought them to be shade giving trees, they turned out to be bonsais. 

Samuel learnt this truth in Jesse's house. When he saw the son Eliab, he thought- Surely this is the Lord's anointed. But the Lord replies, "The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

We judge based on our initial assessment on outward appearance, beauty, smile, servitude. But God sees the heart.

Lord forgive me for the prejudice I have and how I've judged others based on my opinion. Help me not to label people. Help me to see them as they are. Help me to accept people as they are. Genuine as they are, superficial as they are. Grant me the wisdom not to be fooled by outward appearance.