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And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them.

Matthew 5:1–2

Christ sees people far differently than we do. Throughout the Gospels we see a pattern in theway Jesus taught His disciples. Whenever He saw the multitudes, Jesuswould reveal to the disciples what was on His heart for the people.Jesus wanted His disciples to share His love for the people. Thedisciples did not always understand all He was telling them, but Heassured them that later the Holy Spirit would reveal the significanceof His words (John 14:25–26). 

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Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

When God places people in your life who are in need, He is aware of what they lack, and He knowsHe has given you the resources to meet those needs. You know God doesnothing by accident. When a need surfaces around you, immediately goto the Father and say, “You put me here for a reason. You knew thiswas going to happen. What did You intend to do through me that wouldhelp this person become closer to You?” Recognizing a need insomeone’s life can be one of the greatest invitations from God youwill ever experience. It’s easy to become frustrated by the problems of others. 

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For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:34

What you value most is your treasure. Where you spend your time andyour money is your treasure. Whatever dominates your conversation iswhat you treasure. What others know you for is a good indication ofwhat your treasure is. Most Christians are quick to claim that God istheir first priority. Yet often their actions reveal that theirtreasure is not God but things of this world. Some Christians find itdifficult to discuss their relationship with God, but they can chattereasily about their family, friends, or hobbies. 

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A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.

Proverbs 29:23

Pride is the great enemy of the Christian. It motivates you to do things that you know are notChristlike, and it hinders you from doing what brings glory to God.Pride influenced Adam and Eve to try to become like God (Gen. 3:5).Pride motivated Cain to murder his brother (Gen. 4:5). Pride provokedJoseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery (Gen. 37:8). Pride causedKing Saul to resent David so deeply that he even tried to murder him(1 Sam. 18:8). Pride led King Hezekiah to foolishly reveal hisnation’s wealth to his enemies (Isa. 39:2). Pride was at the root of the Pharisees’ anger toward Jesus. 

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There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

Job 1:1

There is a tremendous sense of freedom in living a blameless life. Job was blameless. Neither Satan nor any person could accuse him of wrongdoing. Even through the most rigorous tests, Job remained above reproach. The apostle Paul said he diligently sought to relate to others in such a way that he would never regret his actions (Acts 24:16). This desire should be ours as well. The Book of Revelation indicates that those in heaven will be blameless (Rev. 14:5). 

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