The way we interact with others says a lot more about who we are than what we might be aware of. Our words and actions should be seen as seeds we plant in people’s hearts. Seeds that affect them. Think about it the next time you walk past someone. What impact does greeting with a smile make?
The way you perceive others will impact the way you think of them, and ultimately, how you interact with them. The Word of God calls us to love even our enemies. To forgive 7 times 70 in a single day. God wants us to look at our brothers and sisters the way He does. With understanding and mercy.
So, your mission (and mine) is simple. Love others as Jesus does. He died for them (us) while saying “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This week I challenge you to this. Wake up in the morning and pray for strength, wisdom, energy, and eye to see the Way God does.
PRAYING FOR OTHERS
Ask that Jesus Christ would open their eyes and hearts to receive His love. Changing the Way they see and feel will also transform them over time. When you see someone who is scared or angered with life and/or with God, intercede for them. Ask Him to forgive them. Ask Jesus to heal them.
Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who finds the lost, and we are here to bring in the harvest of souls through the Spirit of Christ that dwells in ours. We must go and make disciples.
Bringing others to Jesus is not about miracles, or spiritual warfare. It’s about love. Love. Love. Love. You know what LOVE is? Love is unconditional. Love is undeserved. We love because we were first loved. At least that’s how it’s supposed to be. If your mother never loved you, how will you know?
As it is written, “Greater love has no man than this; that he lays down his life for his friends.”
Love is a choice we make. It’s not a feeling. Love can be painful. But it’s always worth it.
YOUR NEXT MISSION
Put yourself in the shoes of those you walk by. For just a moment in time carry them up to God. Prayer should be specific and intentional, but you don’t need to make it obvious to the world.
God sees what is done in secret, and He knows the thoughts of men, and therefore we can trust that He knows the desires of our hearts, and if we seek Him, honour Him, and praise Him, He will provide.
God is THE GOOD FATHER. As it is written, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Lastly, remember this. God restored everything Job lost when he prayed for his friends.