Jesus’ love for people was evident as He reached out to others around him. As we read the gospels, we see the compassion He had for people. Read Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”(NIV1)

When Jesus looked at the people dotting the hillside and scattered here and there, He saw them with eyes of love. An image came to Him of sheep scattered across a hillside and in need of a shepherd.

The love Jesus had for people was evident in the care He gave to others. In almost every place in the gospels in which His compassion for others is mentioned, it is followed with a description of Jesus’ actions toward the people. Matthew 14:14 tells that Jesus had compassion on the people and healed their sick loved ones. In Matthew 15:32, Jesus expresses His compassion for the people, and then He proceeds to feed over 4,000 people with 7 loaves of bread and a few fish.

“It’s all about relationships.” I must have heard that statement 100 times over the course of one summer. I served as the assistant director of the preschool program at Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center in North Carolina, and Marge Sherman served as our director. As I worked alongside Marge for the weeks of that summer, she focused on the importance of the relationships we formed with the preschoolers and their parents. She reiterated that relationships came first, above policies or programs. Her words made an impact on me over the years since that summer.

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:14–15 ESV¹)

Recently I asked my Mission Friends^® how Jesus wants us to treat others. “Be nice.” “Love each other.” “Take care of each other.” “Help each other.” Ah, we were on the right track. And then, sweet little Sadie said, “Do what others need, even when it’s hard.”

Yes. Even when it’s hard. Do what others need, even when it’s hard. Even when you are tired. Even when you don’t feel like it. Even when the person in need has hurt you or treated you unjustly. If we really think about it, doesn’t this statement get to the very heart of grace—serving and loving others even when that service and love is unmerited?

“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings (1 Cor. 9:22—23 NIV¹).

Cultivating relationships often begins by meeting the needs of those around us. In communities where arts are valued, missionaries develop creative studios. In areas where international students need after-school care and homework help, missionaries open their homes for dinner and tutoring. In cities where sports are esteemed, missionaries offer free summer sports camps. In towns where men and women enjoy quilting and woodworking, missionaries purchase supplies and provide crafting workshops.