1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Dear Jesus,

Give me that heart that loves people so deeply that I would tell them what Paul told the Thessalonians, that they are my joy and crown of rejoicing. Guard my heart against valuing things more than people. Help me to own my family and Christian friends in my heart. Break up that hardness that I have taught myself to use in order to keep from feeling pain from the hurts that come from relationships. Help me to feel and to love and to be vulnerable to them. Make me a real lover of souls the way you are. You bought all people with your own life. Help me to keep making payments on them for you.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

People are God's most treasured creation. We fulfill our purpose when we value them the same.