How many people do you reckon we end up seeing in one day? It’s probably quite a few. There’s the people we know, the people we pass in the street, the people we see in magazines or on TV. But how many of those people do we really see? How many times do we stop and take the time to see those people through God’s eyes? To see their needs? When Peter and John were heading to the temple, they saw a paralysed man who lay at the gate. The Bible tells us that this man lay there every day. But this particular time, when he asked for money, Peter and John truly saw him. ‘Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!”’ Peter and John saw this man’s need, and they knew it was greater than the money he was asking for. They knew he needed healing. ‘Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong’ (v.7 NIV). Peter and John saw beyond what this man was asking for and met his real need. We need to do the same. When we meet someone, we need to see beyond the mask they may have put on, and see them through God’s eyes. We can also ask God to show us the people who need our help. And then we can offer to give that help. The Bible says: ‘If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?’ (1 John 3:17 NIV). To show God’s love to others, we need to see them and then serve them.

What Now?

Listen to the song ‘Give me the eyes’ by Brandon Heath. While you’re listening ask God to give you the eyes to see people’s needs, and the love to serve them.