Topic: Seeing Others the Way Christ Sees Them — Friday September 15, 2017.
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:14-16 (NIV)
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
The love of Christ that compelled Him to die for all men should be the greatest determinant of how we see and relate with them. We should be eager to let people know what Christ has done to save and bless them. For those that are saved, we should be even more eager to help them grow in this knowledge so that they can maximize the things that the death of Christ has provided for them. Jesus wants us to love people just the way He loves us, John 15:12. He wants us to be graceful to people. Luke 9:51-56 (NKJV) records the story of how Jesus sent some of his disciples to make preparations for Him in a Samaritan village. However, the people of that village did not receive Him. In response, two of Jesus’ disciples became so angry that they asked Jesus if they could call down fire to consume the villagers, just as Elijah had.
When Jesus heard what His disciples said, the Bible records that He turned around, rebuked them and said to them, “you do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” Do you know the Spirit that you are of? Because you are of the Spirit of Christ, you should always see people as Christ sees them and respond to them the way Christ would respond to them. Like we studied some time ago, because you are God’s child, you do not need to be afraid of attacks or plots against you because they will fail and you will be victorious over them. They will divinely work out together for your good. You should defend yourself when necessary, but your utmost desire should be for the touch of God and the salvation and transformation of the souls of all men.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I receive your grace right now to love and see people just the way that Christ sees and loves them. Help me to affirm Your image in all men.
Bible In A Year Reading Plan: Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8
Empowered to do exploits…
CGMI Above Only Daily Devotional, was written by Most Rev. M.E. Benson-Idahosa, Archbishop of Church of God Mission International, CGMI.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
