How can I love people like Jesus loved them?

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.  So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”   Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. (Matthew 9:35-10:1)

God used these verses to call me into pastoral ministry. I had always wanted to be a doctor and bring healing to the sick. However, on a short-term missions trip to Columbia Jesus impressed the need for a shepherd on my heart. As I have studied this passage over the years, I have found four prayers that can fill our hearts with Jesus love for people.

 

1. Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see others like Jesus does.
   
2. Fill my heart, Lord. I want to experience Jesus’ compassion for others.
   
3. Teach me to pray, Lord. I want to feel Jesus’ burden for others.
   
4. Send me, Lord. I want to share your love with others like Jesus did.
   

 

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