Eyes to SeeSample

When you were younger, did your mom ever tell you to finish your peas because there were starving children in the world? You knew her logic was suspect, even then. As far as you were concerned, they could have your peas. Instead, you were left with both a vague feeling of guilt for what you had and confusion about how you could actually help hypothetical children anyway.

Fast forward to today. Some of us still hold that complex feeling of guilt mingled with powerlessness when faced with the enormity of these needs. Some might see these needs and know they can make a difference, but they want to understand poverty in light of God’s story and act in a wise and healthy way. Some find this whole topic scary and uncomfortable, while others have experienced poverty for themselves.

No matter where you are coming from, we want you to know this: God has a beautiful plan for this broken world that is unfolding even now, and He wants you to be a part of it. God reveals throughout the Bible His deep care for those in poverty and facing injustice. When Jesus surveyed this world, He was compassionate (Matthew 9:36).

As we walk with Christ in our life, we transform daily to be more like Him. And as we grow to be more like Christ, we will find our compassion for those around us begins to grow and overflow.

Our first step is to stop and ask God to give us eyes to see: To see the needs in our own backyard and around the world; to see the true roots of these problems, rather than resorting to overly simple or misguided solutions; to see how God’s people around the world are responding, and to see what our part could be.

Over the next six weeks, you will practice seeing all things through God’s eyes. We will practice seeing the world, ourselves, God, and others. We will ask for God’s guidance to see the gifts we steward and the opportunities we have for action with His wisdom and compassion.

On the first day of the week (like today), you will be provided with one episode of our film series. They are each between 15-20 minutes long and will help prepare you for the week ahead, but they are optional. If you can’t get to it today, come back and view it during the week.

The next five days will provide you with devotional readings, Bible verses to read, reflection questions, and an option for action. There is also a short written prayer to help guide you— because, really, all of this is a dialogue with God, and none of us can change without God’s intervention. Finally, the last day of each week is a rest day.

If you are working through this study as a group, we encourage you to use the “Read with Friends” feature on YouVersion and share what you are learning as you go.

Thank you for joining us as we seek God’s heart and pray for eyes to see.

Reflect:

• What assumptions do you tend to make about those living in economic poverty? Why do you think that is?
• How do you typically feel when you hear about poverty? Maybe you feel guilt, despair, hope, conviction, or anger. Perhaps you feel a combination of a few of those things or something entirely different. Why do you think you feel the way you do? How do your feelings and reactions affect how you respond to poverty?

Pray:

Lord, thank You for how You care for us and provide for us and the needs of people worldwide. As I take this first step on a journey of gaining eyes to see the world the way You do, please equip me with courage, sensitivity, and compassion. Help me be an agent of healing, hope, and restoration for those suffering. Thank You that You desire wholeness for all people and that through Jesus, wholeness is possible. Amen.