How To Have Eyes to See the Way God Sees Others: One Way to Improve How You See Others

Introduction (5m)

Ambiguous Pictures

Pictures x 5

Amazing how we can see things so differently

Explanation (5m)

What stood out to me from this familiar story of Jesus was all three men “saw the man” (vv. 31, 32, 33) but only one helped him

The priest saw the man through the lens of legalism

Maintaining ceremonial cleanliness more important doing messy work of responding to a person’s need.

The Temple assistant saw the man through the lens of time scarcity

Only the despised Samaritan saw the man through the eyes of Jesus and felt compassion for him

Sees needs, meets them without prejudice and regardless of circumstances.

Didn’t just feel pity, but took responsibility for his wellbeing and used personal resources to help.

Application (5m)

We do not have Jesus’ eyes, so the only we can see through them is to become one with him

It’s not about what we do - it’s who we are

As we become closer to Jesus we become more like him and that propels us to act with compassion.

Story is in reply to lawyer, who asked, “What should I do”? (v.25)

Jesus gets him to list what the law says. But then shows him it’s about who you are - can you love everyone as your neighbour?

We can only do that if we love God with all of our being

Lose ourselves in God. Engage whole self, heart, soul, strength, and mind, in the love of God.

The love of God is at the heart of holiness.

That’s why never tire of encouraging worship, daily devotions, prayer, Growth Groups, other spiritual disciplines - all have the power to draw us closer to God.

Loving God with all our hearts increases our capacity to love others

It’s a choice to respond to the wellbeing of others with the same kind of mercy and compassion God has demonstrated towards us.

Next Steps

SB 626 - The Saviour of men came to seek and to save

The Saviour of men came to seek and to save The souls who were lost to the good; His Spirit was moved for the world which he loved With the boundless compassion of God. And still there are fields where the labourers are few, And still there are souls without bread, And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep, And still straying sheep to be led. Except I am moved with compassion, How dwelleth thy Spirit in me? In word and in deed Burning love is my need; I know I can find this in thee. 2 O is not the Christ ?midst the crowd of today Whose questioning cries do not cease? And will he not show to the hearts that would know The things that belong to their peace? But how shall they hear if the preacher forbear Or lack in compassionate zeal? Or how shall hearts move with the Master?s own love, Without his anointing and seal? 3 It is not with might to establish the right, Nor yet with the wise to give rest; The mind cannot show what the heart longs to know Nor comfort a people distressed. O Saviour of men, touch my spirit again, And grant that thy servant may be Intense every day, as I labour and pray, Both instant and constant for thee. Albert Orsborn (1886-1967) © The General of The Salvation Army. Used By Permission. CCL Licence No. 135015 Copied from The Song Book of The Salvation Army Song Number 626