Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Through the many years in the ministry, I have tried to see the best in people; to see them as God sees them. We need to have a vision for people; we need to look at them with love, and with a sincere desire to help them grow.

Many people are blessed with 20/20 vision—they see just fine without corrective lenses. Some of us require glasses or contacts to allow things to be in focus; 1 1/2 years ago, I got my first pair of bifocals! Blurred vision makes for difficulties and even misunderstandings; sometimes we read a label wrong, or car accidents occur because we do not see well enough to avoid the problem. As a child, because I could not see well, shadows at night became frightening. I’d see strange “creatures” in my room, and my poor mother would often have to reassure me there was nothing there.

In the same way, our spiritual vision can become distorted or blurred. We misread people or we become afraid of what we “see” in the world. What can we do to improve our “vision?”

1. One of the first things a person does when they can’t see is get closer to the object. How can we get closer spiritually? Compassion. Jude 1:22: “And of some, have compassion, making a difference.” Learn to see things from another’s point of view. We do not all think the same or react to situations the same; our problems are all different. When someone has a bad day, or acts in a way that’s hurtful, try to see what is going on in their life. We don’t always know what is happening; we don’t see everything in their lives, and we need to have compassion. When someone is hurting or grieving or struggling with a habit, we need to try to understand; to look through their eyes.

2. Another method to see better is to add light. Jesus is the light—we can follow His example to know how to handle situations. I Peter 2:21 says, “For hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” If we would do what Jesus did, often we would have the right direction in a situation—the right action, the right words to say. How would Jesus handle this situation? How would He deal with that person? He lights the way.

3. Another way is to add a lens. Glasses, bifocals, reading glasses, contacts—all are ways to help a person see clearly. A lens helps with focus. The Word of God is our “lens.” If we look at life through it, we will be able to clearly know what God wants. Wisdom is seeing things from God’s viewpoint; the best way to have that viewpoint is read His Word; God will give us His “focus” on life. We can see people with love and wisdom much more clearly with the lens of the Bible. A way through difficulties in relationships can be seen if we look in God’s Word, or listen to the preaching and teaching of the Bible.

4. Sometimes a person will have to have a transplant, or some form of corrective surgery. Proverbs 11:14: “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” A good thing to do is to ask advice from someone who has a good walk with God. Ask someone who has been through the difficulty how to get through it. We go to a mechanic for help with our car; I often ask ladies who have cooked for restaurants how to make a certain food. In the same way, we need to get wisdom from those who have gained it through experience. We often face conflicts or difficulties in our interactions—marriage, child rearing, friendships, and any situation when you deal with people. Be teachable; let someone help; get advice on how to handle the problem.

5. Finally, we can help our vision with medicine. Getting proper nutrients helps greatly with our sight. I have known many who take a particular vitamin/nutrient to prevent macular degeneration. We need to help our vision with the “medicine” of wisdom. If we ask God for wisdom, He will give it. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5. We get wisdom by asking God for it and by obeying Him. One of the great ways to get wisdom is to be a soul winner—reaching others for Christ. God has promised us this in Proverbs 11:30: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Pass out those tracts; share the gospel! When you have a burden for the unsaved, you begin to see them with compassion through God’s eyes. Again, spending time in God’s Word and seeking God earnestly in prayer brings wisdom.

If we maintain our vision, God will be able to use us. May we strive to see others and situations in life the way God wants us to see them!