Daily Devotional

Road trips are hit or miss for me. Much of it has to do with the other individuals who are in the car. But the place(s) that we are going to, the type of music we're going to listen to, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, the type of snacks we are going to eat are all vital aspects of my enjoyment of the road trip. In general, road trips with friends can be a representation of our relationships with others. Those relationships will go many places and take us many places together, but with so many unique needs and perspectives, and opinions, moments along the journey can be hard. The reality is it's so much easier for us to focus on fulfilling our own needs and in doing so we miss opportunities to see the needs of those around us.
 
And yet caring for others was at the core of who the Master was. Jesus taught His disciples and teaches us that loving others, including our enemies, is part of following Him. In the text, we are reminded that one of the most challenging things to live by is to do for others as you would want them to do for you. And I don't know about you, but I know at times I get pretty self-focused and self-centered. I often think of and care for myself first and unfortunately caring for others isn't always the first thing on my mind. I think that we want to care but don't always know how.
 
In the great example in the feeding of the 5000, as Jesus was teaching it got late in the day His disciples started worrying about what would happen if thousands of people suddenly got hangry. They started listening to and focusing on Jesus, and He provided food for everyone. Today, may we focus on putting Jesus at the center of our relationships, and allow Him to help us see others’ needs. As we do this over time, we become more like Him. Becoming people who understand that we should never miss a chance to care for each other.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.