Everyone matters.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made… – Psalm 139:13–14

In his book Heart at Work, best-selling author Jack Canfield tells the story of a young nursing student who learned a valuable lesson about the value of each and every person we encounter in life.

He writes…

During her second month of nursing school, the girl’s professor gave the students a quiz. The last question stumped most people in the class. It read “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?”

All the students had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would any of them know her name? Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward their grade.

“Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello.” The students never forgot that lesson. They also learned her name was Dorothy.

Every single life matters to God. He formed each person who walks this earth. He knows their story, their fears, their failures, their needs, and He can turn each life into a story of redemption.

That’s as true for you as it is for your neighbor, your mail carrier, your yard worker, your doctor, and every other person you encounter throughout the day – even the people you don’t like.

And that means that every person who crosses your path is someone who deserves your attention, your respect, your care, and your love. Not because of who they are but because of who they are.

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to help you show genuine love for each and every person you encounter today. Pray for the opportunity to show them Christ’s love in action.

Questions for Thought

How does a biblical view of a person’s worth affect the way you treat them?

Who are some people you encounter every day that you can show more attention and love?