“The Christ within Others” by Lynn Gipson

“And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”-John 17:26

Lately I have learned about loving others as they are. There is good in most people. Even the most difficult people sometimes have amazing hearts. Jesus has spoken a lot about this to me in the past few months. Instead of looking at another person flaws, He told me to look and respond the goodness in them. Now I try very hard see this goodness as “the Christ within” them.

Looking for the Christ in others doesn't mean I don't see the meanness, or lies they might tell, or other character defects as being okay. It just means I look at their kindness, generosity, and other redeeming qualities they might possess.

As a caretaker of a very difficult elderly aunt, I have spent a lot of time looking at the qualities that don't become her. I have, at times, resented her caustic remarks about myself and others. On the other hand, she has a generous heart and can be delightful to be around at times.

God must have made her such an integral part of my life for some reason. He gave her to me. So now everyday I look for “the Christ within” her, and I am astounded to see how often she responds in kind. God is so good!

Today’s freelance Christian writer has written articles for many Christian websites and blogs. Contact