We’ve all received that mandate from Jesus Christ that we need to see others as He would. However, many of us struggle to see others as He would. In today’s episode of Changing, our host Donald Kelly meets with Jon Diaz to discuss how we can see others as Christ would.
Jon’s Background
Jon and Donald both grew up together in southern Florida, and would go to church together when they were younger.
They both went to the same college in Idaho, and drove together from Florida to Idaho. After arriving in the state, they ended up being roommates in Donald’s apartment.
Jon worked at a few different universities as an educator, but currently works at a high school in Utah as a psychology teacher.
Seeing Others as Christ Would
Too often, we view life as very black and white. We think of OURSELVES as protagonists and as heroes. Everyone else, meanwhile, is just a side character or even antagonist. Obviously, Jesus wouldn’t view others this way.
There’s a term in psychology called situational attribution. What it means is viewing a person’s attributes through the lens of their SITUATION. One example Jon gives is a student turning in papers late. Instead of thinking the student is lazy, think about the circumstances. This leads us to view people more empathically, as Christ would want.
You have to understand WHERE people are coming from and think of whatever situation they’re in. Empathy stems from this and allows us to view others as Christ would.
Jesus knows ALL of us completely. He knows all of our individual circumstances and situations. We, however, don’t know everyone else’s circumstances. So try and understand! One student Jon had to deal with would constantly disrupt class. One day, Jon took him outside and asked if he was okay, and learned that the student’s home life wasn’t great. After telling the student that he DID care, that student stopped acting out.
The Key Takeaways
Focus on the basics of your relationship with God and Jesus. Jon notices that when he does his prayers and scripture studies, he’s FAR better at seeing others as Christ would. When you feel better, you treat others better.
Try and see things from the perspective of others.
You can connect with Jon through his email, jondiazsj@gmail.com. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.