"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked.
"My Rabbi," the blind man said, "I want to see!"
And Jesus said to him, "Go, for your faith has healed you." Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
—Mark 10:51-52 NLT
Isn't that such a simple question that Jesus asked? Wouldn't we better serve others if we asked them questions, listened to their answers, honored their requests, and then affirmed their commitment and faith? Unfortunately, we often think we know best how to help people even without their input, so we do what we think best rather than asking them what they need. While we can't honor every wish and sometimes people's needs seem self-evident and straightforward, asking them for input gives them the opportunity to share what's on their hearts and to express their needs. At the same time, seeking their input affirms their dignity at a time when they may feel like they have lost every shred of dignity.
O Father, help me to wait patiently and look for ways to help and serve others in your name. Give me the patience to listen to them as they express their need, the tenderness to invite them to let me share their burden, and the wisdom to do what they need. In Jesus' name, I ask for this help. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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"My Rabbi," the blind man said, "I want to see!"
And Jesus said to him, "Go, for your faith has healed you." Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
—Mark 10:51-52 NLT
Key Thought
Isn't that such a simple question that Jesus asked? Wouldn't we better serve others if we asked them questions, listened to their answers, honored their requests, and then affirmed their commitment and faith? Unfortunately, we often think we know best how to help people even without their input, so we do what we think best rather than asking them what they need. While we can't honor every wish and sometimes people's needs seem self-evident and straightforward, asking them for input gives them the opportunity to share what's on their hearts and to express their needs. At the same time, seeking their input affirms their dignity at a time when they may feel like they have lost every shred of dignity.
Today's Prayer
O Father, help me to wait patiently and look for ways to help and serve others in your name. Give me the patience to listen to them as they express their need, the tenderness to invite them to let me share their burden, and the wisdom to do what they need. In Jesus' name, I ask for this help. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...