What does it mean to not look at people from a 'worldly point of view' (2 Corinthians 5:16 NIV)? First up, some context. In the previous few verses, Paul has explained that we're waiting on a new body that God will give us in 'our heavenly dwelling' (2 Corinthians 5:4 NIV). That changes how we could (and should) relate to others. When God gets in and starts to re-furb us into a 'new creation', these changes make us more and more free to live for him (2 Corinthians 5:17).

We must remember that change is a process. We're all still in an earthly form that isn't completely Christ-like. Easy enough to accept about ourselves, but we must remember that others are 'under construction' as well. We need to give grace to others; they are on a journey with God just as we are. The same goes for those who aren't yet Christians. Who knows what God is doing in the deepest places of their heart?

The best response to someone we wish God was 'working-on-a-little-bit-faster', is to make the most of the good we see. Truth is, God holds fast to us despite any pain we cause. When we're open enough with him to accept that, and live 'for him who died for them and was raised again' (2 Corinthians 5:15 NIV), we'll be able to treat others with the same grace.

So what now? Write down five godly qualities you love seeing in others. Today, when you see someone living one of them out, compliment them on it.

The book of Jude. It's short and sweet. Down at the bottom of the only chapter, Jude advises on approaching others, including those who doubt and those who need 'snatching ... from the fire' (Jude 1:23 NIV).

If this seems street-preachy-ish, it's not too far off that. Whether or not this method seems appropriate, the kind of outreach that requires a quick, urging approach shouldn't be cast away. Imagine 'snatching' someone from a literal fire. No second guessing or skirting round the edges. When we see someone flirting with spiritual/mental danger, our response shouldn't be one of waiting around. Now, this is not about standing on our nearest street corner with a 'The end is nigh!' sign. It's about praying for a chance to speak directly and immediately into people's lives. Sometimes, Jesus speaks so clearly that there's no need for opening lines, three-point sermons or even a coffee meet.

There are moments to 'arrest' someone who's putting themselves in danger right now and/or for eternity. In Mark 5:1-35, Jesus' responses to a sick woman and a demon-possessed man are quite different. The woman needed more space and gentleness, whereas the man wasn't going to listen to anything except a real in-the-moment truth. Heaps of discernment are very necessary, and prayer is key.

So what now? Read the book of Jude. Ask God to give you his discernment and wisdom for when someone needs to be 'rescued from the fire'.

Ephesians 2:8 says we have been saved through faith. How does faith work? We are not saved by a feeling. Nope, not the feels. But rather by getting to grips with the simplicity, challenge and complexity of the Gospel of Jesus, then accepting it for our lives. Reminding ourselves of the 'Good News' of Jesus every day gives us a solid faith foundation. We need to remember every day how much God loves us.

Romans 10:17 tells us not to wait for a bolt of lightning to ignite our faith. If we've ever found ourselves waiting for our experience of God to kick off, like the guy five seats away who always lifts his hands in worship, we don't need to. When someone's truly close to God, they've been spending quality time with him. It's about listening to God, and not trying to force anything by ourselves.

Hebrews 11:6 encourages us that to truly 'hear' the word of God we need to receive it with an open heart. Even the best sermon, on its own, can't bring us closer to God. Believing that God is alive and willing to meet with us will greatly help that: 'Anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him' (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

So what now? Have you been taking faith into your own hands, trying to get closer to God without stopping to listen to his voice? Take 10 minutes, as soon as possible, to drop everything to be with him.

In Psalm 39:4-7, it seems like David's hit a pessimistic speedbump in his psalm writing. He's questioning God about his life being just a moment, a breath, a tiny speck of insignificance. Is this true? People have depth to them; it's hard to comprehend human beings as 'shadows...all their work for nothing' (Psalm 39:6 NCV). Our friends, family, neighbours, celebrities, prisoners, newborn babies, the older generation... all people are created with a God-given purpose.

But, however huge an impact we make, we are still only here for the short-term. Our time on earth is insanely small in comparison to eternity. And all the hard work and effort we put in on earth won't add up to a lot unless it helps point people to Jesus.

How do we ensure our time on earth makes a difference? Without God, we can only stay within the bounds of this earth and everything that comes with being imperfect. Let's go to the one who brought us to eternity in the first place. Let's give our good ideas, our fears, our work/study life, even our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9) to the God who gave everything for us. He'll show us how we can use everything to bless him and others.

So what now? What things in your life do you put hope in? Where do you put that hope? Commit your hope to God, and ask him to be in it. Like David eventually says in that psalm, say, 'I depend on you, Lord.'

Be advised of the sensitive theme of suicide in today's reading...

When a loved one dies by suicide, with the grief comes an extra load of unanswerable questions. 'What should I have said or done differently?' 'Didn't they appreciate how much this would hurt us?' Those feelings and questions take time, and God's grace, to resolve. Those who have lost a loved one through suicide wrestle with these questions, so we pray this reading will help.

'How does God feel about people who commit suicide?' God's plan is not suicide... for anyone. But equally, nobody understands better than God the pain and despair that could lead someone to want to escape their suffering. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is constantly 'moved with compassion' for people. And today's verse describes how God feels about those who are feeling extremely fragile and ready to break: he is for us, not against us. 'Are those who commit suicide not allowed into Heaven?' In Matthew 12:31-32, the Bible lays out the only 'unforgivable' sin: and it isn't suicide. God's plan is not suicide. He has more for each of us than that. But he loves every person beyond suicide, too. Those who are grieving don't need to add that worry to their loads. Read Romans 8:38-39. Suicide can't stop God's overflowing love or undo the salvation his love bought.

So what now? Pray for those who've lost loved ones through suicide, and for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. 'Come, Lord Jesus, to each of them, I pray.'

Almost everyone has someone they need to make amends with, in some way: a friend, a work colleague or a family member. The longer it's left alone, the more it swells up into something worse than it should be.

Good news: Jesus has a simple, useful approach to setting us free from a grudge. Uncomfortable news first: to be close to God, we need to recognise the link between knowing him and forgiving others. Let's check out this challenging verse: 'Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift' (Matthew 5:23-24 NIV).

What does this mean? Worshipping, drawing near to God and being filled to go out and serve him - there's something that needs to happen before that: reconciliation. It's a humbling experience to make the first move, even if we haven't caused the problem. Check out what Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV: 'In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.' Today is the best time to make the move and set things straight. That's the way to freedom with others, ourselves and with God.

So what now? If you need to reconcile with someone, start today. Thank God that he's at work in the situation, softening hearts before you meet.