Berean Blog

How Can I Love People Who Are Hurting?

by Kia Reinertson on June 04, 2020

Welcome to Take Ten at Ten with Kia Reinertson, Berean's social media guru. Kia asks us to take a look at Acts 3:1-10.

Watch the Devotional

Stretch Our Eyes, Lord!

Kia sets the stage for Acts 3: Jesus has died, resurrected, revealed himself to hundreds, commissioned his followers to change the world, and ascended into heaven. Then his disciples Peter and John go to the temple to pray. A man who was lame since birth asks for alms and Peter responds, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" And then everyone witnesses God's miraculous healing of a man's feet and ankles that were instantly made strong and hears him praise God.

And Peter directed his gaze at [a man lame from birth], as did John, and said, 'Look at us."

The Greek word atenizō that was translated gaze has a much richer meaning:

  • to stretch your eyes
  • to fix your gaze
  • to pull your eyes toward something

The Holy Spirit pulled Peter's eyes to this man in a new way. This is a fresh encounter, and a miracle was about to happen. That's what God wants to do for us too!

As a follower of Jesus, I want to be in tune with the Holy Spirit to pull my eyes. I want to be sensitive to his leading to see someone I need to talk to, love, serve, meet their needs. 

Pray - Love - Get Involved

Am I cooperating with the Holy Spirit? Lord, help me to see my daily mission and purpose from God. Who should I show love to today? Help me allow the Holy Spirit to lead me to people I've never met. Show me how I can love people who are hurting and experiencing evil. Don't allow me to separate myself in privilege but rather stretch my eyes, Lord!

Subscribe to Blog

More Resources

"How to Bring About Reconciliation" by Pastor Tony

Blue Letter Bible

Tags: mission, purpose, privilege, minneapolis prayer, love hurting people, stretch our gaze, confront evil, george floyd minneapolis pray

Previous Page

Subscribe to our Blogs Here