As Christians we are to grow in our personal relationship with Jesus; however, our relationship is not to be kept private. Jesus calls us to let our lights shine. That means acknowledging, sharing, and proclaiming our faith to those who are lost. You don’t have to travel across the globe to be an evangelist. Your greatest opportunities come in 1 of 3 places: where you work/go to school; where you play/recreate/socialize; where you live/your neighborhood. You need to heighten your spiritual awareness to the opportunities around you. Some of us are naturally intuitive, we sense when someone is hurting. Others, not so much. When you are paying attention, have your radar up, you will begin to see the doors of opportunity that God opens for you. People are often most receptive to God when they are at a low place in their life, hurting, in pain or struggling with guilt. Others may be at the top of their game, but experience a lack of purpose, aimlessness. When you sense something is wrong with someone or out of sync with their normal behavior, care! Reach out a hand; ask if things are ok! We all want to be cared for! And remember, you will never look into the eyes of another person who doesn’t matter to God. If they matter to God, they should matter to you!

Scripture: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV)

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. (Colossians 4:5 NLT)

For the present, I’m staying right here in Ephesus. A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (1 Corinthians 16:9 MSG)

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…. (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV)

My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. (Psalm 38:4 NIV)

Questions – Do you sense the pain of those around you? Do you easily step up and ask someone if they are ok when you notice out-of-character behavior? If yes, how do you approach the situation? If no, what holds you back? Have you ever had someone notice your pain and reach out to you? If so, how did that make you feel? Do you tend to ignore people’s pain/needs because you have your own agenda and don’t want to take time? 

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for always being present and available to listen to my prayers, to care about my pain, and to comfort me in times of need! May your love shine through my life. Make my heart sensitive to the needs of others and to the opportunities you place before me. Help me to be willing to reach out a hand when there is a need. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen!