Jesus gave us a clear picture of God’s grace

Some people just seem to draw other people to them. We can think of them as “human Magnets.”

You know the ones; everyone wants to spend time with them, you feel good when you are with them, and that feeling seems to stay with you even after you are apart.

The interesting thing, however, is that the positive feelings that happen when we are around Magnets aren’t just because you are doing cool things or hanging out in fun places. Magnets have a special way of making us feel good even during tough times. So, what makes Magnets so special? Why do we seek them out? What is that magic they have that makes us all feel so good?

Thinking back to the Magnets I have known through the years, there are several similarities that come to mind.

Magnets don’t seem to identify with one group or “type” of people – they legitimately seem to enjoy being around everyone they come in contact with. Because Magnets spend time with lots of different people, they have a tendency to bring people together. A party at a Magnet’s house will include an amazingly wide range of people!

Magnets are welcoming. There is always room at their table and if there isn’t room, they scooch to make you a spot. In fact, Magnets are normally the first people to make eye contact and approach people to say “hi”. You will never be left sitting alone if there is a Magnet around.

Magnets are “real”. Their focus isn’t on impressing you or saying what you want to hear. They are honest with their feelings and push you to be open and candid as well. If a tough conversation needs to be had, a Magnet will speak hard truth to you. Because of their openness, you feel comfortable being vulnerable.

Magnets are sincerely interested in other people. They aren’t friendly because they feel obligated, but because they want to get to know you. Magnets are good listeners and when you are talking with them, you feel like what you are saying really matters.

Magnets don’t judge. Regardless of your background, beliefs, success (or lack thereof), Magnets are there for you. If you make a mistake, they are the first to forgive and move on. Magnets are always willing to give you another chance.

As I think of the qualities of a human Magnet, I find myself wondering what would happen if each of us were a little more “Magnetic”. What if we were all genuinely interested in other people, wanting to hear their stories, welcoming everyone, and making space for those who might normally be left out? What would happen if each of us focused on getting to know more people who are less like us? What if we stopped judging and started loving people who have made some bad choices? What if we were all a little more real, thinking less about impressing people and more about helping them feel good about themselves?

Can you even imagine what a world filled with Magnets would be like? In my mind, I can’t envision a more perfect place. No one would feel unloved, no one would be left out, we would all have our best selves celebrated and cherished, our worst forgiven and forgotten. It sounds exactly like a world filled with grace.

This magnetic grace-filled world is possible, but it takes each and every one of us. We each need to see and move toward the person standing alone. We must focus on other people and truly listen to their stories. We need to expand our circles, go to new places, try new things. We have to open our hearts, our minds, and our arms to embrace people – especially those we don’t know and who don’t look, talk, or think like we do.

It takes thirty days to create a habit if we consistently engage in that behavior. Let’s do it. For the next thirty days, let’s seek out strangers, hear their stories, try to understand their perspective, forgive their mistakes, and celebrate their highlights. Let us be people crammed together at a too-small table. Let us show the kind of love and grace that we can only hope others will show us. Let us all be truly magnetic people.