From Daily Office: Remembering God’s Presence Throughout the Day by Peter Scazzero:
“The great Jewish theologian Martin Buber described the most healthy or mature relationship possible between two human beings as an ‘I-Thou’ relationship. In such a relationship, I recognize that I am made in the image of God and so is every other person. This makes them a ‘Thou’ to me. They have dignity and worth, and are to be treated with respect. I affirm them as being a unique and separate human being apart from me.
“In most of our human relationships, however, we treat people as objects, as an ‘It’. In an ‘I-It’ relationship, I treat you as a means to an end—as we might use a toothbrush or car to take us somewhere. I talk to people to get something off my chest, not to be with them as separate individuals. I talk about people in authority or in the newspapers as if they were subhuman. I get frustrated when people don’t fit into my plans or see things the way I do.
“The connection between loving well and loving God is inseparable. Take a few moments and consider the people you will encounter today. What might it look like for you to slow down and treat them as a ‘Thou’ rather than an ‘It’?” (pages 124-125).
Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
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WOW!!! This worded it perfectly, how we OFTEN treat others, as though they are window dressing or simply as a means to an end...as though they are merely on the planet to keep US satisfied and feeling good about ourselves. Stuff happens in life that makes us simply put on blinders and operate life in a way that doesn't particularly respect ourselves or others. Hurt and disappointment will do it, unmet needs and expectations, all of that. It's an invitation to run back to Jesus, repent and start over. I am definitely going to take this to heart starting today. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOUCH!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I think many are guilty of this. I pray I am not, but I know at times I am. God forgive me and help me!