Bible Verse
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
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Have you ever wondered what it might feel like to be truly seen—not just glanced at, but deeply noticed—the way Jesus saw Zacchaeus that day in Jericho? The crowds pressed in around Jesus that day in Jericho, yet he stopped to look up at a single man perched in a sycamore tree. While everyone else saw a hated tax collector, Jesus saw someone worth calling by name, someone worth visiting. This moment with Zacchaeus teaches us something beautiful about how God sees people. We often label others based on what they've done wrong or how they've disappointed us, missing the hidden value beneath the surface. Jesus had a way of seeing what could be rather than just what was - the gold waiting to be discovered in every person he met.
We all long to be truly seen - not just our mistakes and shortcomings but the deeper parts of who we are and who we could become. When Jesus looked at Zacchaeus, he didn't see a corrupt tax collector but a child of Abraham, someone with potential for remarkable change. How might our relationships transform if we began to look at others through Jesus' eyes? The ability to spot the gold in others isn't just a nice skill - it's at the heart of what it means to honor others above ourselves, as Romans 12:10 teaches. As we prepare our hearts in prayer, let's ask God to help us develop eyes that look for value in every person we meet.
Let's Pray
Father in Heaven,
Thank you for being the God who sees me completely - not just my failures but the gold you've placed within me. I'm amazed that you know me by name, just as Jesus knew Zacchaeus. When others saw only a dishonest tax collector, Jesus saw someone worthy of his time and presence.
I confess that I struggle to see beyond the surface with people in my life. Sometimes, I focus on their flaws, mistakes, or the ways they've hurt me. I label them and miss the treasure you've placed inside them. Help me remember that everyone I meet is created in your image, carrying value that goes beyond what I can see.
Give me eyes like yours, Lord. When I'm tempted to judge someone quickly, slow me down. Teach me to look deeper, to be curious about their story, to wonder about the gold you see in them. Help me notice the unique gifts, perspectives, and potential each person brings.
Thank you for the people who have seen value in me when I couldn't see it in myself. Use me to be that person for someone else today. Let my words and actions communicate to others that they are worth knowing, worth hearing, and worth loving.
I want to honor others above myself and take the lead in showing respect. Transform my heart so this becomes natural, not forced. I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, who saw what no one else could see.
Amen.
Journaling Prompts
Think of someone you find difficult to appreciate. What might Jesus see in them that you've been missing? Write down three positive qualities or potentials in this person.
Remember a time when someone saw value in you that others (or even you) didn't see. How did it make you feel, and how did it change you?
Which labels or judgments do you tend to place on people before really knowing them? How might these quick judgments be limiting your relationships?
If you started looking for "gold" in everyone you meet for one week, how might it change your daily interactions? What specific actions would you take differently?
May we walk through this week with fresh eyes, noticing the unique value in each person we encounter. As we practice seeing others as Jesus sees them, we'll find our relationships deepening and our own hearts expanding. Remember that this way of seeing doesn't come naturally but grows as we stay connected to God's heart. Let's keep encouraging each other to look beyond the surface and discover the gold in every person God brings into our path.
Until next time,
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May He make His face shine upon you;
And be gracious to you and give you peace
God Bless!
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