Slow Down And Love People
Verses Used:
- Matthew 22:37–39
- John 13:34–35
- Philippians 2:3–4
- Luke 6:31
- Galatians 5:13–14
Devotional
Slow down.
In today’s world, it feels like we are constantly moving. The kids have to be here. We have to go there. Work needs done. Dinner needs cooked. Bills need paid. The schedule never seems to stop. And if we’re not careful, we can get so focused on surviving the day that we completely lose sight of what actually matters.
People.
Jesus made it incredibly clear in Matthew 22:37–39 that the greatest commandments are to love God and love one another. Everything flows from that. Not achievements, money, or status. Love.
But how often do we truly slow down enough to care?
We walk through stores and ask people, “How are you?” but do we actually listen to their response? Do we genuinely care? Or are we already thinking about the next thing on our to-do list before they even answer?
It is so easy to get lost in the pace of life. The world teaches us to hurry, hustle, and focus on ourselves. But Jesus constantly showed us something different. He stopped for people, He listened to people, He noticed the hurting, the broken, the overlooked, and the forgotten.
One of the biggest things God showed me this past year is that nothing in this world matters more than people. Honestly, He flipped my life upside down, and it ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me because He showed me what truly matters.
Relationships matter. Loving people matters. Being there for someone matters.
John 13:34–35 says people will know we belong to Jesus by the way we love others. Not by how busy we are. Not by how successful we look. By love.
Be the friend you wish people were to you, the spouse you wish your spouse was to you, the worker you wish your coworkers were to you.
We have to be patient, understanding, and kind.
Luke 6:31 reminds us to do unto others as we would want done to us. It sounds simple, but living that out daily changes everything.
Sometimes the person being rude to you at the store may be carrying pain you know nothing about. That cashier that seems frustrated may be going through a battle they can barely survive. Someone smiling on the outside may be completely broken on the inside.
You never truly know what someone else is carrying.
So slow down.
Take a minute this week and really talk to somebody. Ask how they are doing and genuinely care about their answer. Listen. Encourage them. Pray for them. Love them.
Because at the end of the day, people matter deeply to God… and they should matter deeply to us too.
Have an amazing day, friends.
Prayer
Lord, help me slow down and see people the way You see them. Forgive me for the times I get so distracted and busy that I forget what truly matters. Teach me to love others well, to listen more, care more, and show patience and kindness everywhere I go. Help me be the kind of friend, spouse, parent, coworker, and person that reflects Your heart. Open my eyes to the hurting people around me and give me the courage to love them genuinely. Thank You for being patient with me and for constantly teaching me what matters most. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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