We all know someone who tests our patience. Maybe it’s a co-worker who’s always negative, or a family member who just knows how to push your buttons. But what if we started seeing these people the way Jesus does? This weekend, Tamika Simmons’ message Sawubona, I See You challenged us to look beyond the surface and see the treasure in others.
In Luke 19:1-10, we meet Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was pretty much despised by everyone. He wasn’t someone people wanted to hang out with. But when Jesus saw him, He didn’t just see a crooked tax man—He saw someone with value. Jesus called out to Zacchaeus and went to his house, treating him with respect and kindness. The result? Zacchaeus’ life was transformed.
Tamika reminded us that, like Jesus, we’re called to see the whole person. “It’s easy to look at someone and only see their faults, but Jesus saw Zacchaeus and knew he was capable of change. He saw his potential.” What if we started doing the same? What if we made an effort to see past someone’s mistakes or annoying habits, and instead saw their potential? That’s when real transformation happens, both in their lives and in ours.
It might sound difficult, but imagine what could change in our relationships if we looked at people through the lens of love and grace. It’s not about excusing bad behavior, but about believing that everyone has worth, even when it’s hard to see.
Reflection Questions:
- Who is someone in your life that you find difficult to love? How might you begin to see them the way Jesus does?
- How can you practice looking past people’s faults and seeing their potential?
- What relationships in your life could be transformed if you started seeing the treasure in others?
Let’s pray: Lord, help me to see others the way You do. Give me the grace to look past mistakes, annoyances, and flaws, and see the value You’ve placed in every person. Help me to be an agent of love and transformation in my relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.