Making the First Move
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 7:21
Waiting for others to reach out first is a common human tendency. We hesitate, wondering if our gesture will be welcomed or rejected. But as members of God's household, we're called to a more proactive love. Jesus didn't wait for us to clean up our act before making the first move toward us. While we were still sinners—still rebels against His kingdom—Christ died for us. He crossed the greatest divide imaginable to bring us into relationship with Him.
As followers of Jesus, we're called to imitate this initiative-taking love. This might mean reaching out to a church member who's been absent lately. It could mean checking in on someone who seems to be struggling. Or perhaps it means being the first to apologize after a disagreement. Making the first move isn't always comfortable. It involves risk and potential rejection. But it's in these moments of stepping out in faith that we most clearly reflect the character of our Savior.
Remember, too, that we don't need to have all the answers before reaching out. Sometimes the most powerful ministry happens when we simply show up and say, "I'm here with you, and Jesus is here for both of us." Today, consider who in your faith community might need someone to make the first move toward them. How might God be calling you to be that person?
Reflection Question
Who is one person God might be prompting you to reach out to this week, and what is holding you back from making that first move?
"Don't be afraid to make the first move to step out there and do a genuine, sincere wellness check on your people."
Prayer
Father, thank you for making the first move toward me through Jesus. Give me courage to reach out to others, even when it feels uncomfortable. Help me to see the people around me through your eyes and to love them with your initiative-taking love. Use me to strengthen the bonds in your household. Amen.
Waiting for others to reach out first is a common human tendency. We hesitate, wondering if our gesture will be welcomed or rejected. But as members of God's household, we're called to a more proactive love. Jesus didn't wait for us to clean up our act before making the first move toward us. While we were still sinners—still rebels against His kingdom—Christ died for us. He crossed the greatest divide imaginable to bring us into relationship with Him.
As followers of Jesus, we're called to imitate this initiative-taking love. This might mean reaching out to a church member who's been absent lately. It could mean checking in on someone who seems to be struggling. Or perhaps it means being the first to apologize after a disagreement. Making the first move isn't always comfortable. It involves risk and potential rejection. But it's in these moments of stepping out in faith that we most clearly reflect the character of our Savior.
Remember, too, that we don't need to have all the answers before reaching out. Sometimes the most powerful ministry happens when we simply show up and say, "I'm here with you, and Jesus is here for both of us." Today, consider who in your faith community might need someone to make the first move toward them. How might God be calling you to be that person?
Reflection Question
Who is one person God might be prompting you to reach out to this week, and what is holding you back from making that first move?
"Don't be afraid to make the first move to step out there and do a genuine, sincere wellness check on your people."
Prayer
Father, thank you for making the first move toward me through Jesus. Give me courage to reach out to others, even when it feels uncomfortable. Help me to see the people around me through your eyes and to love them with your initiative-taking love. Use me to strengthen the bonds in your household. Amen.
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