Bringing out the Best in People

Before Jesus asked the disciples to follow him, 

he did something miraculous.  He helped them 

catch two boatloads of fish!

Jesus brings out the best in people!

Those Jesus called as his first disciples
were discouraged after a night of failure. 

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.  He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.  He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.  So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.  LUKE 5:1-7

Before Jesus invited these men to follow him,
he brought out the best in them. 

Using something familiar, He got their attention and showed them what could be possible.  

THEN, he invited them to follow.

Jesus says: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  JOHN 10:10

Living in the way of Mission, Jesus Style, calls those who know the love of the Savior
to work towards bringing out the best in people.  

• Helping children learn and succeed 
• Assisting elderly with tasks they can no longer do 
• Mentoring teens or budding professionals 
• Coaching 
• Helping resettled refugees learn the ways of a new country 
• Assisting in financial literacy or parenting classes

When you have difficulty having compassion for someone, take a moment to imagine them as a three year old child... hopeful for their life to come.  

Even the most heinous person was once a child.  God's work is good!  It is the thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy.  Jesus came that each and every person would have life!

David writes in Psalm 139:

     For you created my inmost being;

         you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

     I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

         your works are wonderful,

         I know that full well.

Each person is wonderfully made!  Jesus had compassion the shortcomings and recognized the potential in people.  His perspective for you, me, and the people in our midst is just the same today.  

Take a step of faith and spend some time bringing out the best in someone who needs your help!  If each one reaches one, imagine the difference could be made!