“There is nothing that makes us love a man so much
as praying for him.” – William Law
Several years ago when I lived in Turkey, I started hanging out with a college student there who spoke English. We had some common interests which made it enjoyable to spend time him. The more we would do things together; the more I would pray for him. One particular prayer time, I felt God showed me that God created this student to be a leader of people and that he leads with his heart. People would see his love for them and would naturally follow him.
I didn’t listen as much what the Spirit was saying about others at that time, but this really stood out to me. I made note of what I felt God saying and continued to pray into it. The more I prayed, the more I loved this man and wanted to spend time with him. I believe his love for me grew because I focused on the greatness in him and spoke to him of who I saw him becoming.
It has now been over 10 years since I was in Turkey, and I still love him. We still keep in contact, though not as often as I would like, which is my fault. Connecting to how God sees people creates a strong bond of friendship.
God Loves Everyone – So Should We
God loves each person, and if we are to be like the One we love, then we also will love them. The great thing is He will help us with this. We can ask God what He loves about others.
One thing I have learned about God is that He loves sharing secrets about His children to those who will listen. These secrets are not people’s hidden fears or private sins; God likes to share those things He likes about others. He wants us to know these secrets so that we would love them too.
The past couple years I led a small group of men. We would meet weekly to pray, encourage, and bless each other. Asking God what He saw in each man was a regular part of our time together. I had never been a part of a group that loved each other so deeply. We were constantly being made aware of who each man was created to be. These reminders helped us see beyond the life they were currently living and pray into who God planned them to be – who they really are when they live out of their true self.
Why would God tell us good things about others?
- Because He likes to show off the greatness of those He loves.
- Because so often we focus too much on those things that we don’t like about others instead of what’s good about them.
- Because we have believed the lies about how bad we are, and He wants other people confirm those things that are good in us.
- Because He knows as we see the good in others, we will start to love them as He loves them.
Let us ask God how He sees the people around us. Ask Him about your co-workers, your children, your neighbors, your students, … everyone. Allow the things God shows us to lead our prayers for one another. Allow it to motivate how we relate to one another. This simple listening will increase community and relationships.
People love others that believe in them. These are the best leaders, managers, and teachers. He who has the most hope has the most influence. He who has the greatest faith in me will have the greatest impact on my life.
Homework Assignment
I don’t often leave homework on this blog, but this is too enjoyable to pass up. This week try to do these two things:
1. Spend time and ask God what He says about you. Write it down.
2. Now, ask God what He has to say about a friend or family member. If you feel you got something encouraging, share it with that person. If it isn’t encouraging, it’s probably not from God.
Leave a Comment
- If you have an encouraging encounter, please share in the comments for others to be encouraged.
- If you have any questions you can ask in the comments or go the contact us page to leave a private message.