See It. Seize It. Love Like Jesus.

One of the most important prayers we can pray is, "God, give me opportunities to love others today." It is important because it changes us. When we ask God to help us see needs around us, He shifts our perspective and pushes us beyond what’s comfortable.

Jesus really saw people. He saw the woman at the well, not as just another Samaritan, but as someone desperate to be known (John 4). He saw Zacchaeus, not as a tax collector to be avoided, but as a man longing to belong (Luke 19). He saw the woman who touched his robe and was healed, not as someone unclean, but as a woman who was desperate for peace. (Mark 5). Jesus didn’t just glance at people—He truly saw them.

When we pray for opportunities to love others, we’re asking God to help us to notice the lonely, the hurting, and overlooked. However, it is not just noticing people - we actually have to do something. 

Imagine walking down the street and you see someone with a sign, asking for some change. What do you do? What if you have no change to give? What about a neighbour, co-worker, church member who shares honestly when you say “How’s it going?” and they leak out something that’s really difficult for them. What do you do? It is too difficult to fix all the problems going on, but there is a lot we can do.

It makes me think of in Acts 3, when Peter and John passed by a paralyzed beggar at the temple gate. Most people walked by, but Peter and John stopped. They didn’t have money, but they had something better: healing in Jesus’ name. What if they had kept walking? What if they had been too busy, too distracted, or too afraid? Their obedience led to a miracle and opened the door to share the gospel.

What if your obedience in that moment is to listen and empathize with them, then offer to pray for them. Maybe invite them to church, or for lunch.  Imagine the impact that would have on someone struggling – to be seen and belong. We forget that we have a lot more to offer because of God’s power that rests inside us (Act 1:8)

Opportunities to love are everywhere. A coworker who is struggling. A friend who needs encouragement. A stranger who could use a little kindness. But if we're not looking—or too hesitant to act—we’ll miss them.

So ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see those around you, open ears to really listen to their needs, and boldness to step out and show love, even when it might feel awkward or inconvenient.

If we ask God for opportunities, let’s be ready to respond when He provides them. Let’s see the opportunities, seize the moments, and love like Jesus today.