Daily Power #129

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. (Ps. 86:17)

Whenever I used to talk to people, I was easily distracted. As I talked to someone, I’d be looking around, over their shoulder, out the window, even stealing glances at my phone screen. Finally, some loving friends confronted me about it and Amy confirmed that what they were saying was true. Since then, I’ve worked hard to engage and be present with anyone I’m talking to. I try to imagine how Jesus would focus on them.

But it requires practice.

Most days we go through our routines and barely notice anyone else. It’s not hard to start running on autopilot, cruising through our day with scripted responses to the people around us while our mind spins in a hundred different directions. We can call it multitasking if we want, but the truth is that it’s not very loving.

We might take others for granted as we remain fixated on ourselves and our little world. We miss opportunities to be a blessing to others. And serving others blesses us.

It’s not hard to show others the compassion of Christ. Simply listen to what they’re telling you instead of thinking about what you’re having for lunch today. Send a friend an encouraging text to let her know you’re praying for her. Leave a note for your spouse in the car. Pick up your kid from school and grab a milkshake.

Compassion is in the caring.

Power Lift

Lord, I want to love others the same way you love me. Today give me your eyes and ears and help me really see and hear the people around me. Let them see you by the way I care for them.