When our daughter, Angi, and I went out to lunch recently, we talked about our frustrations when dealing with people who are spiritually blind. It reminded me of an incident many years ago when one of my relatives had started making impassioned accusations that simply were not based in reality.
I kept saying to myself afterward, She’s so blind! She’s so blind! In my bewilderment, God made it clear that her perceptions were distorted because she was spiritually blind in this situation. Her vision had been affected, perhaps by hidden wounds or unforgiveness, and had produced inappropriate behavior.
That night Donn and I stayed in the home of a friend we don’t visit often. There were no nightlights, and when I got up to go to the bathroom, I became completely disoriented. As I stood, trying to get my bearings in the complete darkness of the unfamiliar hall, I remembered the incident that day with my loved one. Struggling to find my way back to our room in the smothering darkness, my irritation turned to compassion.
As Angi and I talked about this incident, I also remembered an illustration from one of Eugenia Price’s nonfiction books. I don’t remember her exact words, but in essence she said: We don’t slap blind people around because they can’t see. Our daughter burst out laughing at the absurdity of that statement, and yet, how often do we judge or verbally beat up people who are spiritually blind?
If this kind of attitude is inappropriate, what should our response be to people we believe are blind spiritually? Since Jesus said He came to give recovery of sight to the blind (Luke 4:18, Isaiah 61:1), I think we should begin by asking Him to restore the person’s sight. I believe Jesus wants to bring recovery of sight to the spiritually blind just as much as to the physically blind―maybe even more.
It’s also appropriate to pray for wisdom about the root cause of their spiritual blindness. Just as some people are physically blind from birth, some people are spiritually blind practically from birth because of the way they were raised. Generational strongholds may have been passed down from the parents or grandparents. At other times, spiritual blindness may be brought on by pride, fear, or idolizing a respected person who is spiritually blind in this area.
Whatever the cause, the Holy Spirit is able to reveal it to us as we pray so that we can do battle with the forces of darkness. Ephesians 6:12 says, We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places, while I Corinthians 10:4 tells us, The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through the power of God to the bringing down of strongholds.
It’s no wonder we are so often soundly defeated when we try to fight spiritual battles in the natural with carnal weapons. When I become angry with people who, in light of Scripture, are clearly spiritually blind, I try to remember Eugenia Price’s statement and ask God to change my attitude to one of love.
Lord Jesus, only you can bring recovery of sight to the spiritually blind by the power of your Holy Spirit. Forgive us when we respond in unloving ways. Give us clear vision so we can join you in the battle to restore sight to those who cannot see. Amen.
