Some of the most useful changes I have undergone in life have been those that bring a new appreciation for the people around me. It is as if I had felt permitted before to excuse my lack of practical love toward them under the title, “I can't see you.” It seems incredible, yet this is the very fact that has aroused me through these changes, I can suddenly see people who were invisible to me before. Sadly, I've come to realise how presumptuous I have been; simply assuming that people who have extended themselves in kindness to me will continue to be kind to me. This assumption even morphs into expectation, and when that expectation is not met, irritation. What heartless ingratitude finds a place to curl up in my heart.

I consider it a mercy when God forces me to face such disfigurements, not only in the context in which they first spawned, but in other contexts too. This blindness toward other people can pounce from a small irritation like locking a door, and then remembering with aggravation that I have forgotten something inside. Instead of responding in away that shows character and that is attractive to the people around me, I can respond as if I am alone, inflicting my “blindness” upon people I should instead be loving. This is what Paul is pointing a finger at in Galatians 5:15—among other unattractive responses, harsh verbal exchanges. If this can happen under the pressure of small annoyances, how much more prone will I be under severe trial? To what types of selfish responses could I be reduced? To what degree of blindness could you personally be reduced?

Experiencing the agony of sorrow has underlined this blindness in my heart. It sneaks up suddenly. The severe pain of loss can sit by your side, convincing you that it is alright for you to be just a little bit selfish, because you are hurting. You have suffered an impact that permits you the freedom to indulge that blindness. Others are being kind, the thought process explains, they should be kind, you should find it irritating when they fail to be kind, because you have a right to be shown kindness. And after cherishing such counsel from your own heart, no wonder it seems natural to sit around feeling angry toward the people who are demonstrating the greatest kindness and compassion. How twisted is the fallen heart. You simply can't see these people, nor can you see how far they have extended themselves outside of their own area of comfort and convenience to speak to a person who is hard to please and hard to comfort.

God have mercy on me for this blindness. God have mercy on you. May He grant sight to our self-consumed eyes so that we can see the people around us. To see that I am not the only one who is being pounded by the savage elements of a fallen world. I am not the only one who is not at home. I am not the only one who experiences frustrations and pain. The whole world is bleeding and in need of mercy. It is not appropriate for the child of God to be found in this environment serving himself, which amounts to self destruction. In contrast, he calls the child of the King to serve those around us in love. (Galatians 5:13)