Lost and Found – Bible Study

In this episode of Christy, several of the characters hold negative opinions of others in the Cove. Describe these individuals and the critical feelings they have about someone else. What events cause them to eventually have second thoughts? Now talk about a time when you may have been judgmental, and why you later had to reassess your opinion.

The Bible advises us to look at others with love and to be nonjudgemental. See Matthew 7:1-5, Philippians 1:9-10, & Luke 7:38-50. Now read the story about the prophet Samuel and the shepherd David in 1 Samuel 16:6-13 and discuss the difference between God’s viewpoint and man’s.

It’s natural to form an impression of someone or hold an opinion based on an experience. That’s how we define and make sense of our world, sometimes stereotyping people in the process and making decisions based on those impressions. That’s what happens in Cutter Gap: Christy forms the opinion that Dr. MacNeill is a hardened man who doesn’t appreciate education; Rob Allen sees his brother, Little Burl, as a “pain in the neck,” and teenager John Spencer thinks his best friend, Rob, has betrayed him. However, those impressions and opinions change with new information or events. For example, Rob Allen comes to realize through a near tragedy that Little Burl is a precious gift and one to be cherished; Christy see Dr. MacNeill in a new light when he gently puts his skills – developed through an arduous education – into action to save Little Burl’s life, and John Spencer, through his mother’s personal revelation, rethinks his anger toward his girlfriend Becky and his best friend Rob.

All of these Cutter Gap folks, and several more, make judgments that are inaccurate. This isn’t unique to them. We see the same thing occurring in the scriptures when young David faces the giant, Goliath, who forms a wrong opinion. (1 Samuel 17:41-50) Another instance is Samuel when God tells him to anoint the future king. The prophet’s first impression of who it should be is incorrect. God then points out that the Lord looks at a man’s heart and not at his appearance. We would do well to remember those words when we form inflexible opinions of others. The impression we have of someone may be based on partial information – what we see or hear about them. However, when we get to know a person better, either through an experience or interpersonal communication, our perception of that individual may change. The Bible reminds us to not judge. Unconditional love demands it. So, if you are holding onto a negative opinion of someone, maybe it’s time to have second thoughts.