Perception of Him Changed

The Washington Capitals have a 3-1 series lead over the Las Vegas Golden Knights heading into Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night.

The Caps are led by captain, Alex Ovechkin, who has been averaging 1.14 points per game throughout the playoffs and performing at an extremely high level with his tone-setting and game-winning goals.

Considered one of the best players in the league, Ovechkin has been criticized in the past for his disappointing playoff finishes and for not taking his team further. This year, however, he's receiving credit for his achievements and for being one win away from conquering the Capitals' first Stanley Cup.

As fans and media take notice of his accomplishments, ESPN.comasks the question, “Has Alex Ovechkin changed this postseason, or have perceptions of him changed?”

In the article, multiple reporters provide perspective on how different he’s playing versus how playing in a big spotlight during the Stanley Cup alters everyone’s impression of him.

Although Ovechkin has been a great player for quite awhile, he's been downgraded because of his team’s lack of playoff success. Now that his circumstances have changed, he's being seen in a new light and people are paying closer attention to just how good he really is.

In our own lives, how many times have we held onto a belief about someone until we finally realized our perception was wrong? Haven't we all made quick judgments about a person's outward appearance...or their past mistakes...or the kind of job they hold...or the associations they have?

If we learn to move beyond first impressions and show people grace, our perceptions can dramatically change. This requires our hearts to be aligned with God, so we receive discernment rooted in Him and see people like He does.

When we look for opportunities to see others in a new light, we can pay closer attention to who they truly are. As we follow Jesus, He helps us know the truth so that our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions aren't misguided.

Today, let’s pray these two prayers as we strive to love others and move past wrong impressions:

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…”(Philippians 1:9-10 - ESV).

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life" (Psalm 139:23-24 - NLT).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I have the wrong perception of people at times and need discernment to know the truth about them. I pray I’d rely on You to help me show others love and grace the way You show it to me. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.