2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Genesis 21-23 GW; Matthew 4 GW
Follow Jesus to learn how to fish for people.
When you put into practice the teachings of Jesus, you will become a fisher of men. People are drawn to the light of God when we let it shine through us. Understanding of Jesus’s teachings comes when we do what He did.
What did Jesus do? He noticed people, from the beggar on the street to the rich man. Jesus sees everyone. Jesus loved everyone; He died on the cross for all, not just the select. None of us know who will choose to follow Jesus. For those who have decided to do life like Jesus, you will know it by their actions.
Jesus will help you fish.
Loving like Jesus means doing it anyway. Mother Teresa is a woman who knew how to fish for people. She had a close relationship with Jesus and used a poem to remind her of her calling. As Kent Kieth’s words inspired Mother Teresa, let his poem inspire you today:
ANYWAY
People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,
LOVE THEM ANYWAY
If you do good, people will accuse you of
selfish, ulterior motives,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
If you are successful,
you win false friends and true enemies,
SUCCEED ANYWAY
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY
What you spent years building may be
destroyed overnight,
BUILD ANYWAY
People really need help
but may attack you if you help them,
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY
Give the world the best you have
And you’ll get kicked in the teeth,
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU’VE GOT ANYWAY.
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Lord, thank You for the example Jesus gives us. As we move through our day today, help us love people anyway. When we see the heavy-hearted, help us lighten their heart. Whatever need we see today, help us meet it. Let us not take offense when people don’t respond in kind, but instead, love. As we cast our nets into the world today, let Your light shine through us. Help us draw people to You by the love we share with them. Let love flow through us to others anyway. Help us share what you abundantly give us. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
Who do you need to love anyway today?