+DEV+ Acknowledgment

Date: June 8, 2009 10:51 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Acknowledgment

Acknowledgment

Scripture Focus: John 20:24-29

"Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:27-28).

  Who of us wants to be treated like wallpaper - there in the background but hardly noticed? We at least want to be acknowledge as someone of worth.

  Jesus acknowledged people as individuals, even when they expressed doubt or unbelief. His encounter with Thomas is only one example.

  Though Thomas had missed Jesus' meeting with the disciples after the Resurrection and doubted their report, he was with them the following week. When Jesus appeared again, He took special note of Thomas and his doubts, giving him the opportunity to touch the nail prints and the spear hole from the Crucifixion. Jesus acknowledged Thomas' lack of belief and loved him anyway.

   God wants us to acknowledge people as individuals, regardless of how weak they may be in their faith, how much they may disagree with us, or how much their personalities rub us the wrong way.

Are you guilty of ignoring someone for one of these reasons?

Insight: "Father, every person is important in your sight. Help me to treat them of worth and dignity, even when I disagree with them."