Seen. Heard. Known.
Jan 31, 2022By Nancy Lindgren
With the new year upon us, we have a new perspective. We are looking through the eyes of Jesus in Matthew 9:36. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them for they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus saw people and he loved people.
Have you ever been in a crowd of people and felt very alone because no one really saw you or knew you? I have and it sure didn't feel very good. I felt invisible - like people were looking right past me and didn’t even see me. They didn’t ask one question to get to know me. It seemed like they could care less that I was there. I cried all the way home that night and prayed, “Lord, I want to be the opposite of what I just experienced tonight.”
I want to be a shepherd who walks alongside and cares for people. In Psalm 23:1 the word most commonly used for “shepherd” is taken from the root word ra’ah, which is also the Hebrew word for “best friend.” Don’t you love that? Our Good Shepherd is our best friend! When He lives in us, we become like Him and can pour out His love to others.
This doesn’t mean we have to be best friends with those we shepherd but we can be a friend. . . a friend who sees, a friend who listens, a friend who has compassion, and a friend who truly desires to know and understand the sheep that are in our lives.
May this be the year that we really see people and get to know them, to hear their hearts and understand their perspective. They will feel so loved and cared for and valued. They will see Jesus in you and will come to know Him in a deeper way. Lord, give us your eyes to see, your ears to hear and your heart to know and love people like You do!
Now may the God of peace - who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood - may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. - Hebrews 13:20
Nancy Lindgren is an author, speaker and the Founder of MORE Mentoring, whose mission is to inspire women to love and encourage others through prayer-focused mentoring. She and her husband, Mark, have midwestern roots, but now call Fairplay, Colorado home. They have four grown children and a well-worn welcome mat at their front door.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
