Every Person You Meet Is An Opportunity -- Don't Miss It!

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day, and the name of another friend came up in the conversation. Almost instantly, the disposition of my friend's face dropped. It was obvious he didn't think too highly of my other friend.

It wasn't a case where there was unresolved conflict between the two. They hadn't spent enough time together to really develop any serious conflict. It was more a case of simple dislike. They just didn't care too much for each other. And both of them profess to be Christians.

Unfortunately, this type of thinking among Christians isn't uncommon. In fact, it's probably more common than any of us would like to admit. I know I've looked at people in the past and thought, "I'll never be good friends with them" -- a thought based solely on appearance or one simple action. Every time I have that thought, though, the Lord always pricks my conscience.

Because of the way God works, almost every time I've had those thoughts, the people end up being very close friends. Why is that? It's because God desires us to love everyone. That doesn't mean we have to like everyone. But we do need to reach out in love to people, especially those who are most difficult to reach out too.

So now I try to view each individual I come in contact with as an opportunity. They are either an opportunity for me to gain something or for me to give something.

Almost every time, both of those end up being true. I know that every person in the word has the capacity to give me something. They can give me knowledge, companionship, love, understanding, or any multitude of other gifts. (By the way, rarely do they give me money, so this isn't a focus on money.)

If the person can't give me anything, the Lord usually uses that person to teach me something. And they also become a prime opportunity for ministry, though that goes for just about anyone. At that point, I start looking especially hard for something to give them -- even if it's just a listening ear.

So if you have a negative thought about others, ask the Lord for forgiveness, and pursue them. You never know what kind of blessing will come out of it. You may just find a great friend in a person you had initially brushed off.

About The Author-- Steve Kroening writes for Success magazine and also publishes Wisdom's Edge. You can get Biblical tips on health, finance, relationships, parenting, and success, delivered to your email inbox every week. Simply visit http://www.wisdomsedge.com and sign up for this free e-zine.

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