Valuing People
There is much in God’s word that addresses how we interact with one another. We are told to love one another, encourage one another, stimulate one another to love and good works. Isn’t it easy to do this with people that we know well? It is no challenge to love someone who also loves us. However, this is not how God’s word addresses our interactions with others. God requires of us a higher standard.
The command in scripture is to “love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus loved me so much that He died for my sins in my place. He died for you for the same reason. He died for all people . . . the ones I know and love PLUS the people that I know and don’t love, those who are different from me. It is a daily area of challenge to be the face of Jesus to a world that is watching, to love the unlovely, to value those who serve me.
Recently I was reminded of this truth when a friend told of her recent cruise. She took with her a box of note cards. Periodically she would write a note of appreciation to the service personnel associated with the care of her and her room. Along with the note she would include a tip. The responses were amazing. All the comments addressed the written note of thanks, not the money. Some mentioned how much the note meant. Others indicated that they would keep it in a scrapbook or posted on a bulletin board. These people were valued by a simple note of thanks. Unfortunately those same people also expressed how infrequently anyone appreciates the service rendered.
This example illustrates just one way that people can be valued, loved, and encouraged. There are a myriad of ways to value people: verbal encouragement and/or thanks, engaging in conversation, a touch, a note, etc. The important thing as followers of Jesus is that we be intentionally mindful of the people whose paths cross ours.
My husband and I took a vacation to Washington D.C. several years ago. We purposed in advance that we were going to value people, especially those performing service jobs in public venues. What we experienced surprised us. These folks were so accustomed to being ignored in the performance of their daily duties that they hardly knew how to respond to someone expressing an interest in them. We had to work hard just to get a smile from them. Conversation was an even greater effort. It was a sad commentary on how people are not valued, how we ignore those who serve, how they become invisible people.
As you move through your day, ask God to make you more aware of the people with whom your life intersects, especially those who serve you. Then, intentionally purpose to value them as God values and loves you.
Be encouraged.