A Gaze of Unwavering Compassion
In the midst of chaos, Jesus stood tall, surrounded by His accusers. The scene was set: a tranquil garden, now replaced by the clanging of shackles and the whispers of betrayal. Peter, once bold in his devotion, now cowered in the courtyard, denying any association with Jesus. The rooster’s crow pierced the air, and Peter’s eyes met Jesus’. Expecting scorn, Peter instead saw a gaze that spoke directly to his soul.
The Weight of Sorrow
Peter’s immediate reaction was not defensiveness or anger, but sorrow. He wept bitterly, overcome by the weight of his own failure. Yet, in that moment, he also caught a glimpse of something profound: Jesus’ unwavering compassion. This was not a look of condemnation, but one of love and acceptance.
Transferring Judgment
We often fall into the same trap as Peter. When we sense God’s gaze upon us, we instinctively transfer our own judgmental attitudes onto Him. We assume He is disappointed, angry, or disapproving. But what if, instead, His look is one of grace and truth? What if His thoughts towards us are precious, numbering more than the grains of sand?
The Psalmist’s Wisdom
The psalmist wrote, “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God… And when I wake up, you are still with me!” (Psalm 139:17-19, NLT). These words remind us that God’s gaze is not one of condemnation, but of love and forgiveness. His plans for us are beyond comprehension, full of wonder and awe.
Facing the Gaze
So how do you think God is looking at you? Is it with disappointment, or with compassion? Does your perception of His gaze influence the way you look at others? Take a moment to “look full in His wonderful face” and discover the forgiveness and love that awaits.
Reflection
As we reflect on Jesus’ gaze, may we be reminded that His love is not limited by our failures. May we, like Peter, find the courage to face our shortcomings, and in doing so, discover the depths of God’s unwavering compassion.
Leave a Reply