Counsel #4 — Praying To See Opportunities

Picture: Counsel #4 — Praying To See OpportunitiesCSI 71.1

Recognizing ways to make life equitable isn’t always easy. Obvious moments, like buying a meal for a homeless woman or helping an elderly man cross a street, stand out. But subtler opportunities—interpreting for someone with a language barrier or aiding a mother juggling groceries and children—are often overlooked.CSI 71.2

Jesus modeled equity in His ministry. When we seek God’s guidance through prayer, we join His mission. Prayer aligns our hearts with His, while the Holy Spirit offers clarity, creativity, and conviction to craft solutions reflecting God’s justice and love. As we pray, we can ask to see needs clearly and respond with Christ-like compassion. James 1:5 reminds us to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, allowing us to become instruments of His restorative work.^{[107]https://www.adventisteducators.org/2019/12/treat-same/ (Although this article may focus on redemptive discipline, it aptly and importantly demonstrates seeing the need for equitable consequences.)}CSI 71.3

“Help each other with your troubles. When you do this, you are obeying the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2CSI 71.4

“There are those all around you who have woes, who need words of sympathy, love, and tenderness, and our humble, pitying prayers. Some are suffering under the iron hand of poverty, some with disease, and others with heartaches, despondency, and gloom. …You should be eyes to the blind and feet to the lame, and you should inquire into the cause which you know not and search it out with the object in view to relieve their necessities and help just where they most need help.” Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 530CSI 71.5

Reflect: How might God be calling you to meet someone’s specific needs with equity?CSI 71.6