Seen

The Zulu greeting “sawubona” is a common way to say, “I see you” in South Africa, meaning “I see you, and by seeing you, I bring you into being”. It is a term of honour and respect.

Jesus really ‘sees’ individuals, especially those invisible to the world, the outcasts and despised.

The Samaritan woman at the well, the ten men with leprosy, the woman caught in adultery, Zacchaeus the tax collector, and the woman bleeding for 12 years…, their lives were profoundly changed by their intimate encounter with Jesus. He did not look at them with judgment but with infinite love and compassion. Being seen by Jesus brought restoration, identity, honour, healing, boldness, and purpose.

We too are called to see people as Christ sees them. It is not easy. It is radical. It requires generosity of effort and sacrifice of time and emotion. It means laying aside our agenda and going against social norms, even within church cultures. We must not allow our vision to be marred by prejudices of nationality, religious bias, culture, gender, or social status. We must be willing to listen more than to speak.

Through CHARIS’s work with asylum seekers and refugees, we have discovered that really 'seeing' the marginalised through Christ’s eyes leads to deep, meaningful, trusting, and mutually respectful relationships.

The common response to “sawubona” is “Yebo, sawubona”, meaning “I see you seeing me.” One asylum seeker wrote to me, “We saw how you stepped up for us, for us, our soul and body. We saw your hands, your efforts…We felt your love. Your sympathy saved us.”

Prayer:

Pray for the eyes to see people as Jesus sees them – with love, compassion, and without judgment. Ask for the courage to look beyond cultural, social, or personal barriers, and to truly ‘see’ the invisible or marginalised in your community. Pray for the generosity of heart to listen, understand, and respond with Christlike love, building meaningful relationships that reflect God’s kingdom on earth.

Take a 40acts challenge today:

1. Encourage everyone you talk with today. Everyone. This might be easier than you think!
2. Take a 'no phone during mealtimes' pledge and give someone your undivided attention.
3. Find an opportunity during your daily routine to pay attention to someone who you wouldn't usually interact or engage with. Listen more than you speak.