Finding My Way Home: A Journey to Discover Hope and a Life of PurposeNäide

Develop a Love for People

My daughter Ashtyn attends university in another state. One time, when I couldn’t get hold of her, I was scared something had happened to her. The fear literally hurt my heart. But, she called me a few minutes later to tell me she was fine.

The Lord uses situations in my life like that one to teach me. He showed me that as much as I love Ashtyn, He loves you and me far better. And as He loves us, He wants us to love others.

It’s sobering to realize when we are a part of God’s family, we are part of the plan to bring God’s lost children back to Himself. God chooses to use us, His people, to show His love to a lost and dying world. It’s honoring and humbling to think He would trust us.

God loves to use messy, imperfect people to demonstrate His perfect love. And it all starts with two key elements: our love for God and our love for others.

I didn’t always have a natural love for people. If I’m honest, there are still times when I don’t. But I used to prioritize my own opinions and desires others. God used a season of my life to teach me this valuable lesson: people are always His first concern. Therefore, I want to align my priorities with His and steward what He’s placed in my hands. This includes my relationships.

Through prayer and practice, we can learn to prioritize people. Begin by praying for them. Then, make a list of the people you know and talk to God about them. Ask Him to show you how He loves them. Then, instead of trying to change people, we can choose to simply love them as Christ does.

Loving people can be a learned art. Partner with God, and I promise He will change your heart as you begin to see others the way He sees them.

Who can you pray for today?