TD Jakes (March 8, 2025) Daily Devotional: The Power of Why in Ministry.
In a world eager to judge and quick to condemn, we often forget the essence of true ministry and understanding. As followers of Christ, we are called to look beyond the surface, to seek the heart of matters, and to understand the 'why' behind the actions of others. In doing so, we embody the compassionate love of Jesus, who looked beyond the sins and saw the sinner in need of grace and redemption.
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." - Matthew 7:1-2
The essence of these words from Matthew is a call to empathy and understanding. It's a divine reminder that our mission is not to condemn but to comprehend; not to criticize but to care. When we ask "why," we open our hearts to the stories, struggles, and circumstances that shape the lives of those around us. It is in understanding these stories that we can truly minister and provide the spiritual healing that is so desperately needed.
The greatest teachers, preachers, and ministers are those who ask "why." They are the ones who can see beyond the immediate actions and delve into the deeper motivations and pains that drive behavior. They are not distracted by the "what" but are driven to discover the "why" – because it is in the "why" that healing, forgiveness, and transformation begin.
In the story of Mephibosheth, we are reminded of the power of understanding and empathy. It is easy to judge based on appearance or action, but true ministry begins when we seek to understand the reasons behind someone's condition. When we learn that Mephibosheth's stumbling was not a matter of choice but a consequence of being dropped, our approach changes from judgment to compassion, from exclusion to inclusion.
Closing Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Guide us to be ministers of Your truth, filled with compassion and understanding. Teach us to ask "why" before we judge, to seek understanding before condemnation. May our hearts reflect Your love, seeing beyond the surface to the souls in need of Your grace. Give us the wisdom to minister effectively, knowing that true healing starts with empathy and understanding. In Jesus' Name, we pray, Amen.
Asking "why" is not just a question; it's a journey into the hearts of those we seek to serve. It's a journey that Jesus Christ Himself walked on earth, showing us that to truly make a difference, we must first seek to understand.
