Devo 34:10: Being Sensitive to the Needs of People Around You! I Thess 5:12-15

2Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. I Thess 5:12-15

Every wise parent knows that they don't deal with each child in the same way but according to the age, temperament and needs of each child. The same is true as we deal with people. We deal with people based on their role, need or maturity in Christ. Look at how Paul tells the Thessalonians to deal with each person;

Leaders are to be treated with respect and high regard because of the way they serve us.
The Lazy and idle should be warned (to go to work or not eat,II Thess 3:10)
The Timid need encouragement! The Weak need help.,Everybody needs patience!
If we treat people like this, we are sensitive to people where they are, responding to them according to their needs and station in life. That's why it's so important to pray and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as we deal with people. If you are about to go into a meeting with someone, open that meeting with prayer if appropriate. If not, pray before you go into the meeting.

Roles and life circumstances change, so the timid person who needs encouragement today, may be the leader who needs respect on tommorrow. That's why sensitivity is important!

Let's Pray: Lord, as I relate to the people you have placed in my life, help me to deal with them with sensitivity and care. I don't want to treat people in a callous way or have a cookie cutter response to each person and situation. Instead, help me to treat them the same way I would want to be treated if I was in their shoes. To Your Glory Lord! In Jesus Name! Amen!