Building Belonging in a Lonely Worldনমুনা
![Building Belonging in a Lonely World](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F42583%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Devotion 3: Seen, Heard and Understood
Many people feel like they don’t belong, and there can be many reasons behind their feelings. Do you know of somebody near you who might be experiencing this pain?
A homeless man was interviewed on BBC News recently, and when asked what the hardest thing he faced was, of all the answers he might have given, he actually talked about the pain and indignity of feeling unseen.
In Luke 19:1-10, we meet Zacchaeus, a wealthy yet corrupt tax collector and an outcast in society due to his affiliation with the Roman oppressors. And yet Jesus chose to honour him, publicly declaring that not only had he been seen but that Jesus would be visiting his home for a meal that evening... imagine! Jesus saw Zacchaeus, heard the cry for acceptance in the depth of his heart, and understood his deep-rooted need for connection.
How can we follow Jesus' example?
We must begin by being intentional about seeing, hearing, and understanding others; this will almost always require us to initiate a conversation. A simple smile and “hello” to communicate “I see you” might be all that’s appropriate or possible to begin with. Eventually, though, you’ll need to engage in tender conversations that might demand bravery, certainly sensitivity, and may require you to expose some of your own vulnerabilities. Listen without judgment, acknowledge and validate their feelings, and ask questions to deepen your understanding.
Prayerfully Consider: How can you use your own vulnerabilities to connect with others on a deeper level?
For more on this, please see Session 3 of The Belonging Course.
Scripture
About this Plan
![Building Belonging in a Lonely World](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F42583%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
In this short devotional series, we will consider how we can play a role in helping others feel like they belong without causing damage to ourselves. Each of the six sessions is taken from The Belonging Course, a six-ses...
More
Related Plans
![Fearless Motherhood](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48394%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Fearless Motherhood
![The Bicycle and the Bible](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48510%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
The Bicycle and the Bible
![Godly Masculinity - Wisdom for Young Men](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48339%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Godly Masculinity - Wisdom for Young Men
![Let There Be Light](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48513%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Let There Be Light
![Kids Bible Experience | What Is Truth?](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48341%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Kids Bible Experience | What Is Truth?
![28 Days in the Psalms](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48509%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
28 Days in the Psalms
![Fearfully Made – a 3-Day Devotional for Young Girls](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48518%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Fearfully Made – a 3-Day Devotional for Young Girls
![7 Prominent Themes of the Psalmists in 7 Days](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48529%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
7 Prominent Themes of the Psalmists in 7 Days
![What Does the Bible Say About Water Baptism?](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F47916%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
What Does the Bible Say About Water Baptism?
![MORE THAN CONQUERORS](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F48381%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)