Faith & Purpose Today
A Daily Devotional By Larry
Seeing Potential in People
December 10th, 2025.
“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
Exceptional leaders see beyond the present state of people; they discern potential. Jesus modeled this principle perfectly. He looked at fishermen, tax collectors, and even persecutors like Paul, and saw world changers. Acts 9:10–16 records how God revealed Paul’s destiny to Ananias, showing that what others saw as a murderer, God saw as a chosen instrument.
Leadership requires compassion. Matthew 9:36 shows Jesus moved with compassion when He saw the crowds. Compassion allows leaders to look past flaws and failures to see what God can do. Without compassion, leaders become judgmental, dismissive, and unable to call greatness out of people.
Judgmental leadership shuts down creativity and discourages growth. Jesus demonstrated mercy when He told the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11). By refusing to condemn, He released her into transformation. Exceptional leaders must remember their own journey — how God forgave, cleansed, and restored them — so they can extend mercy to others.
The very weaknesses we complain about in people may be the areas God has called us to help transform. Leaders are agents of change, positioned to nurture potential. What you see in others is what you will draw out of them. If you see failure, you will reinforce failure. If you see greatness, you will call forth greatness.
Jesus looked at Paul, an arrogant, judgmental persecutor, and saw a world changer. He looked at Peter, impulsive and unstable, and saw a rock upon which He would build His church. Exceptional leaders must learn to see beyond the surface, discerning the treasure hidden within people.
Ultimately, seeing potential is about faith. Leaders believe in God’s ability to transform lives, and they call people to rise into that transformation. Compassion, mercy, and vision are the tools that allow leaders to see beyond the present and call forth the future.
Prayer
Lord, give me eyes of compassion to see potential in people. Help me to look beyond flaws and call forth the greatness You have placed in them. Amen.
Reflection Question
How can you cultivate compassion to see potential in people rather than focusing on their shortcomings?
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