When you look in the mirror, what do you see? For most of us, it’s a quick scan: hair, skin, maybe a wrinkle we hadn’t noticed yesterday. Sometimes we stare a little longer, searching for something deeper. We wonder, “Is this who I really am?” But the mirror only shows the outside. It can’t show the parts of us that matter most.
What Do Others See?
Now, think about what the people around you see. They notice our actions, our words, the way we treat them. Sometimes, they see the real us before we do. Jesus taught, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16, NIV). The way we live tells the world what’s in our hearts. The mirror on the wall can’t show that—but our lives do.
What Does God See?
And then, there’s the hardest question: What does God see when He looks at us? God doesn’t just see our faces or even just our actions. He sees the thoughts behind them, the motives, the struggles, the hopes, the fears. In 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV), God tells Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
That’s both comforting and a little scary. God knows us better than anyone else—better, even, than we know ourselves. He sees through all our masks and straight to the person we really are.
Are We Reflecting Christ?
If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, we’re supposed to reflect Him—like a mirror reflects an image. Paul writes, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us” (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV). The question is: Do people see Jesus in us? Are we patient? Are we kind? Do we forgive, even when it’s hard? Do our words build others up or tear them down?
I’ll be honest—when I look at my own life, I know there are plenty of days when my “mirror” is smudged and messy. I get frustrated. I say things I shouldn’t. I forget to show love. But God’s grace means I’m not stuck there.
Made in the Image of God
The Bible says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, NIV). That means every person—me, you, the person who cut you off in traffic—has value. We’re supposed to reflect something of God’s character: His kindness, creativity, and love.
But being made in God’s image doesn’t mean we always act like Him. Sin messes up our reflection. It’s like a mirror that’s fogged over or cracked. Still, the more we let Christ shape us, the clearer that image becomes.
A Personal Reflection
Sometimes, when I’m feeling down or not good enough, I try to remember how God sees me. Not just the mistakes or the mess, but as someone He loves—someone worth sending His Son for. I think of 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV): “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
That’s hope. I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to keep turning toward Jesus, letting Him clean up the smudges, and trying to show His love to the people around me.
So, What Do You See?
Next time you look in the mirror, take a second and ask: What do others see? What does God see? Am I reflecting Christ today, even in small ways?
The answer won’t always be yes. But God’s not done with us yet. Every day is a new chance to let His image shine a little brighter through us.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for creating us in Your image and loving us just as we are. Help us to see ourselves, and others, the way You do. Teach us to reflect Your Son in our words, our actions, and our hearts, even when it’s hard. Forgive us for the times when our lives don’t mirror Your love and grace. Fill us each day with Your Spirit, so that we might grow to look more like Jesus and shine His light to everyone around us.
We ask for Your strength to become mirrors of Your goodness, and for Your mercy when we fall short. Guide us to love as You love, and to remember that You are always at work in us.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.