I See You

“Thank you for seeing me.”

As I read the text message, I paused over those words.

Our friend is walking through what feels like an impossibly difficult season, and while most of the time Aaron and I feel helpless in the face of his struggles, knowing there isn’t a single thing we can do to fix it, we’ve been supportive with bits of help and small kindnesses. We’ve tried to lighten his proverbial load in physical, practical ways, and we’ve been praying alongside him—which is far more powerful than any of us can understand this side of heaven.

Still, I was a bit taken aback by his words. We’d been simply helping our friend—someone we care deeply about—and I’d not considered it much beyond that, especially when what we do is small compared to the mountain he faces. 

Since then, I’ve thought about that text message frequently. In a world of constant distractions, we all long to simply be seen. We can give others our undivided attention, caring enough to come alongside them in an attempt to ease the burden, sticking with them during the journey, even if we cannot fix their problems entirely. It is oftentimes less about what we do and more about the fact that we take the time and energy to do something—to show God’s love in tangible form.

As people of faith, we are called to more than words; our internal faith must be manifested by our external actions. We are not saved by our works; however, our works reveal our faith—or lack thereof. When we come alongside someone with a listening ear, with an offer to watch their kids, with physical assistance in some way, we are the hands and feet of Jesus. And it is by being his hands and feet that we reveal the love of God to the hurting world around us.

Today’s Act of Friendship: Come alongside someone struggling by meeting a physical need in some way.