Faith Through the Lens of Perspective
Growing in God’s Love
Writing offers different ways to tell a story—through first, second, and third person perspectives. These viewpoints don’t just shape literature; they also serve as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. As we move through these perspectives, our understanding of God’s love deepens, transforming how we see both ourselves and others.
First-Person Perspective ("I/Me") – A Personal Encounter with God
First-person writing is personal and introspective—it focuses on the individual’s experience. This reflects the early stage of faith, where our relationship with God is centered on how He affects our lives:
- "God loves me."
- "God helps me."
- "God is with me."
At this stage, faith can feel self-focused, shaped by our personal needs and experiences. This isn’t wrong—it’s how we begin! But Jesus challenges us to move beyond this when He says:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
Often, our ego wants to hold on to the first-person mindset—focused on what we need, what we feel, and how life affects us. But Jesus calls us to let go of control, trust in God’s love, and seek His kingdom first. Only then do we receive more than we could ever grasp on our own.
Second-Person Perspective ("You") – Recognizing God in Relationship
Second-person writing shifts focus outward, directly addressing another: "you." This represents a growing trust in God—where we begin to recognize His presence in our daily lives and acknowledge Him personally:
- "You are my Shepherd."
- "You guide me."
- "You are faithful."
At this stage, we start to release our ego and open our hearts to true relationship. We see God not just as a concept or a provider but as a living, active presence in our lives.
This is also where faith deepens in community—we begin to encourage others in their walk, pointing them toward God’s love. We are no longer just thinking, "What can God do for me?" but instead asking, "How is God at work in others?"
Third-Person Perspective ("He/They") – Seeing Beyond Ourselves
Third-person writing allows for a wider perspective, stepping back to describe the full story. Spiritually, this represents mature faith—where we see both ourselves and others through God’s eyes:
- "He is good."
- "God loves us all."
- "They are His people, and we are His hands and feet."
This is the faith that Jesus calls us into—one that no longer worries about personal needs but fully trusts in God’s provision. When we let go of ego-driven faith and embrace God’s love as a story bigger than just ourselves, we are freed to live fully in His kingdom.
Letting Go to Receive More
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:33 reveals a profound truth: the more we let go of self-seeking, the more we receive. When we stop worrying about our own needs first and trust that God will provide, we move into a greater awareness of His love for all people.
Like in writing, where first-person is limited but third-person reveals a fuller picture, faith invites us to step back and trust—seeing life not just as ours alone, but as part of God’s grand, eternal story.
Conclusion
Faith is a journey through perspective. We begin in first-person, focused on our own experience. As we trust God, we move into second-person, engaging with Him and others. Finally, we step into third-person, seeing from God’s viewpoint—a place of trust, love, and a vision greater than ourselves.
Jesus invites us to let go of the ego-driven first-person life and enter His kingdom perspective. When we do, everything we need is given to us—and more.
Grace Allison Blair is a modern Christian Mystic and an award-winning self-help and motivational author who has assisted thousands to find their spiritual wisdom to solve everyday challenges.
Grace Allison Blair describes herself as “a prime example of someone who pulled herself up by her bootstraps and took notes along the way.” When she turned to writing, she chose subjects that she was intimately familiar with—and their scope is surprising.