28th January 2026

As children, we were often told to pay attention. Pay attention to what our parents said, to cars when crossing the street, to hot things we shouldn’t touch and many other important or dangerous situations. Apparently, the phrase pay attention originated in the 16th century, and reflected the idea of investing mental resources. Pay means to give or devote and attention refers to mental focus. We still know how to do this, but more often than not, our mental focus is directed to those little devices we can’t seem to put down. Paying attention to the people around us seems to be going the way of dinosaurs, but it’s still important to teach children to do this and set an example as adults. 

Jesus said there’s no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends and he of course, made the ultimate sacrifice for us by doing just that. As followers of Christ, we are also to lay down our lives, not just in big ways, but also in small ways. When you’re having a conversation with someone, are you always thinking about looking at your phone? Are you wondering what’s happening with your favourite sports team? Thinking about what’s for lunch? Hoping you can quickly figure out how to get away and go do something else? Of course you are – we all do it. 

Whenever you gather with friends or family, let’s consider how we can lay down our lives for each other by really paying attention to them. Let’s look each other in the eyes, focus on what they are saying, their body language and what may be behind the words. Let’s block out distractions, lay down our own desires and devote our mental focus to our friends and family. For some of us, it may be one of the biggest – and most important – sacrifices we can make for each other. Let’s devote ourselves to others by paying attention to them and being thankful for them.

A slightly amended study that was first published on 25 November 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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