Look for the Best in Others
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4
We are to reflect Christ and we do this by looking for the best in others. We encourage the good in people because it can help them overcome bad habits. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) We minister to others by being encouraging to others and we cannot be encouraging unless we see the best in others.
For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.(1 Samuel 16:7) We recognize that everyone is created in the image of God, and that image is revealed by their heart. Therefore, we seek to find the image of God in them by their words and actions. Then, it’s possible to determine their heart. We typically ignore bad habits that are emotionally driven because they do not come from the image of God.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Philippians 2:3) This verse implies we seek to lift others up and look for the best in them. How can we minister to others when we entertain negative judgments? While ministering to others, we look for the best and afterwards we can evaluate the help they need from the Lord.
Everybody needs honest encouragement and we need to encourage the strengths we see in others. One goal is to make the person feel better about themselves with honest, meaningful encouragement. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) This is an encouraging word from the Lord to us, and the Lord’s words of encouragement is model for us.
Encouraging others is coupled with showing confidence in the person. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6) We reflect this verse to everyone we minister to, seeking for them to be confident in the Lord.
Today, seek to encourage and lift others. True kindness and encouragement are essential if we are to minister to others. One uplifting comment can open the heart to receive God’s truth. Looking for the best in others comes from heart filled with God’s love and care. Whenever you minister to someone, remember God loves that person and he has placed you to reflect his love.
Prayer: Lord, help me to look for the best in others because sometimes that can be difficult. Guide me in the Spirit to minister to others, seeking to be genuinely encouraging and uplifting. In Jesus’ name, Amen