MISSED OPPORTUNITIES  

Kimberly Lawrence 

Today’s Scripture: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36, NIV 

Theme: We should see people through God’s eyes instead of making assumptions based on appearances, backgrounds, or first impressions. 

DIFFERENT 

Several years ago, I boarded a plane for a short work trip. As I approached my aisle seat, a man was already seated in the middle. I looked at him and quickly determined we were very “different.” He wore long, baggy jeans and his hair was in dreadlocks. I had on a starched shirt and loafers. We were different ages and different races. We were, just…different. I sat down with every expectation of putting my earbuds in and passing the next hour and a half with my eyes closed.  

He made eye contact, politely smiled and said, “Good morning.” What started as small talk ended not only with me learning about him and his family but learning about myself. This man had served in two branches of the United States military and retired a few years prior. He was a professional photographer and worked for the White House. He showed me photos he had taken of the Obama family for the Inauguration and other events! That day, he was travelling to see his son receive a promotion as a New York City Law Enforcement Officer. We talked throughout the entire flight, and I began to really see this man! What a delightful time we had getting to know each other. How many times had I missed opportunities to connect with people by jumping to conclusions or assuming we had nothing in common? 

One of the most powerful moments in McFarland USA isn’t a cross-country race. It’s the moment Coach White begins to truly see his student athletes. At first, all he notices is a poor farming town, struggling schools, and teenagers seemingly unlikely to succeed. His first impression is shaped by appearance with his own background as a basis for comparison. 

As he spends time with the students and their families, everything changes. He discovers their work ethic and their love for family. He witnesses sacrifice, loyalty, humility, and untapped potential. Once he looks beyond the surface, he begins to see them differently. Not because they have changed, but because his mindset has changed. 

DON’T SIZE PEOPLE UP 

Jesus did the same thing. When He looked at crowds, He wasn’t annoyed by their interruptions, impressed by their status, or influenced by their outward appearance. He looked deeper and saw their hearts. He saw pain that others ignored, and people who were spiritually weary, directionless, and longing for hope. His response was that of compassion, not judgement. 

Unlike Jesus, we size people up within moments. We notice clothing, accents, occupations, neighborhoods, political opinions, or past mistakes. We make assumptions before we’ve heard their story. Every person we encounter bears the image of God. The people we are quickest to overlook may be the very people God wants us to love deeply. 

Make it Personal: Just as Coach White discovered champions hidden beneath dusty work clothes, God invites us to recognize His image in every person we meet. We may never know the hardships they’ve endured, the prayers they’ve prayed, or the potential God has placed within them, but we’re called to love them. Who are you struggling to see in this light? Ask God this week to help you with each encounter, to see others as He sees them: made in His imagine.  

Pray: God, help me see people the way You do…with compassion and grace. Open my eyes to the hidden struggles in those around me. Teach me to love beyond appearances and to reflect Your heart in every interaction. Forgive me for the times I’ve made quick judgements based on appearances or first impressions. I want to see with Your eyes and act with love according to Your will. Amen. 

Read: 1 Samuel 16:7; John 7:24; Colossians 3:12; Philippians 2:3-5 

Weekly Memory Verse: “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 1 John 2:9-10, ESV