Sunday, April 26, 2026

This week, we're encouraged to look beyond ourselves. 

Philippians 2:4
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 

That sounds straightforward, but when we commit to living with a purpose to serve others, everything changes. 

Most days, it’s easy to stay focused on what’s right in front of us. Things like our schedules, our responsibilities, our needs. But this week, we’re stepping into something more. We’re choosing to lift our eyes and notice the people around us. 

Because being the hands and feet of Jesus doesn’t always start with doing something big. It can start with something as simple as seeing someone or something he’s placed right in front of you. 

Maybe it's the coworker who’s overwhelmed or the friend who's been quiet. Or a stranger who just needs a moment of kindness. 

It could be taking notice of the issue that’s boiling under the surface of your school, work, or in your community. 

This week isn’t about adding more to your already full schedule, but it is about shifting your focus in your day-to-day life. Friends, it’s as simple as keeping your eyes up, your heart open, and choosing to respond when you see a need.

So, as you move through your week, make it your goal to actively notice others and care for them in practical ways. And then trust that God will use those kind, uncomplicated actions to make a difference.

Discussion Questions:
Ice Breaker: Who is someone (famous or personal) you admire for how they care for others and why? 

How can we move from being aware of the needs of others to actually responding to them? 

Read Matthew 25:31-46: Why do you think both groups, the left and the right, are surprised by Jesus’ response? Which group in the passage do you identify with most? 

In what ways do you feel equipped to meet the needs of others? What fears or assumptions sometimes hold you back from stepping in to help or serve? 

Reflect and Respond: If Jesus met someone through you this week, what would you want that encounter to communicate about him? 

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for inviting us to see beyond ourselves. Open our eyes to the needs of those around us, and give us courage to respond with love and kindness. Help us to serve others as Jesus would, trusting that you can use even our smallest actions for good. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 1:5
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek.