How to Paint a Picture of Alexander the Great without His long Scar

I read that when Alexander the Great became a world conqueror, he decided to have his portrait painted in oils. The finest artist in the realm was called to produce a masterpiece. When he arrived at Alexander’s court, the renowned general requested that the portrait be a full-face pose instead of a profile. This filled the artist with great distress, for one side of Alexander’s face was hideously disfigured by a long scar – the result of his battle wound.

After studying his subject for some time, the painter came up with a happy solution. First he seated Alexander at a table; then, placing the general’s elbow on it, he asked him to cup his chin in his hand. As a final thoughtful gesture, the artist adjusted Alexander’s fingers so that they covered his unsightly scar. Then he went to work with paint and brushes and produced a flattering likeness of the general*.

In much the same way, Christian love will overlook or seek to minimize the faults and shortcomings of others (but love doesn’t mean we should minimize sins and tolerate what is evil). Love seeks what is good and noble in others and compromise their weaknesses and mistakes. Love is not blind but always alerts to recognize that others are also loved by God. Love is an act of spiritual maturity based on the eternal significance of another person. We see them as ones who Christ died for, and as ones who are created in the image of God. When we learn (‘learn’ mean there is a process involves) to see others as God sees them, in God’s perspective – you will be able to love them.

Love enables you to paint the best posture of a person. Love produce a wonderful picture of a person, of what they can become in Christ, based on the love of God. Paul wrote immortal Word of God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit when he says: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10NLT).

Our ‘scar’ does not disqualify us to receive God’s love in our lives.

 What matter is His ‘scar’, He qualified us.

The nail scars in Jesus' hands and feet

are the ultimate source of love for Christians to love one another.

Therefore, love each other with genuine love.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.