Old pictures are funny. Thus the picture of this guy who graduated high school in 1978. If you laugh, I will call my cousin Guido in Chicago and have him bring his friend “Crowbar” to fit you for concrete boots!
People change over time… not just physically, but also as a person. One who was harsh, may now be gracious. One who was caustic, may now be encouraging. One who was cold, may now be friendly and engaging. People change over time. On that point, aren’t you glad you aren’t now like you once were?
Pictures are snapshots from the past. Likewise, how we remember people may very well NOT be who they are today. It might be a good idea to consider viewing people as a motion picture rather than a still photo. As movies give a running representation of a story, so too people should be understood as morphing over the years.
This is especially true for Christians. When a person is saved, Jesus begins a work of transformation over time to conform them to His image. He does away with the old person, and makes them new… in HIS likeness. The answer to the age-old question, “Can a leopard change its spots?” is no… BUT GOD DOES. Thus Paul from 1 Cor 6:9-11…
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such WERE some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
As God has changed… and is changing you, God is also changing others. Don’t judge them by the picture you have in your mind from weeks, months, or years ago. Accept them as a work in progress The Father is transforming… JUST LIKE YOURSELF.