Sunday, August 23, 2026

It's easy to overlook the impact we can have on one person's life. Sometimes, we get so focused on the bigger picture or the crowd in front of us that we forget God often works through one-on-one encounters. 

These moments matter because God's heart is always for reaching one more person, and he invites us to join him in that pursuit. 

1 Corinthians 9:22-23
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

Notice what Paul doesn't say: he never claims, "I did everything I could to convince everyone." Instead, he challenges us to look beyond simply knowing the right words. Paul encourages us to focus on finding common ground and to care deeply about sharing the Good News with them.

Why? Because you can know Scripture, memorize it, and even explain it beautifully, but none of that matters if you don't genuinely care about the person standing in front of you. The main takeaway is this: care for the person first.

If you struggle with this, consider how God sees them and how well he knows them.

Psalm 139:1-2
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 

You know when I sit down or stand up. 

You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.

Don't miss the one person God puts in front of you today. Open your heart, find common ground, and show them you are for them.

It may feel like an interruption to your plans or make you anxious about saying the wrong thing, but that interaction may be the exact interruption God wants for you, too.

Be FOR the one.

Discussion Questions: 
Ice Breaker: Share a time when a small conversation or simple act of kindness made a bigger impact than you expected.

What are some obstacles that keep people from building relationships outside their usual circle?

Read Acts 8:26-39. What stands out to you about Philip’s willingness to follow God’s leading, even when he didn’t know the whole plan?

Who is one person you could pray for, encourage, invite to church, or simply spend time with this week?

Reflect & Respond: If God wanted to impact one person’s life through you in the coming week, do you think you’d notice the opportunity? Why or why not?

21 Days of Prayer | Today’s Focus: For Guests, Online and In Person 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, we ask you to open our hearts and minds to welcome those who come to us, whether in person or online. We believe you have brought them here by your divine plan, so open their hearts to hear your voice. We praise you for the amazing opportunity to share your love with them. Guard us against the tendency to leave them feeling left out or behind because of our words or actions. Help us see them like you do - as people who matter. We ask that you give us insight as we explore new ways to spread your love, and help us to do everything for your honor. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.  

Series Theme Verse:
John 13:35
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

Written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.