Eyes to SeeSample

It’s easy to find ourselves using “us” and “them” language when we think about people living in poverty. But we are all the same as human beings created in God’s image. This week, we will be challenged to examine how we see others and act toward them as a result. When we talk about reflecting God’s love to a world in need, we must examine how we perceive people living in economic poverty. We may be tempted to see people living in economic poverty as problems rather than people. We can adopt a saviour complex and see ourselves as heroes when really, we’re all poor, helpless, and weak people in need of our Saviour, Jesus. We must recognize that we are all broken and all wonderfully created in God’s image. We can then begin to stand together in community and in solidarity with those who are vulnerable and marginalized amongst us.

Reflect:

• Now that we are halfway through this journey, how do you define poverty? How has your definition changed, expanded, or been challenged?
• How do you tend to perceive those who are economically poor? What does it mean, and what might it look like to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” in our relationship with others, as it says in Philippians 2:3-5?
• Why is it important to keep scripture passages like Philippians 2:3-5 in mind when responding to poverty and to serve those in need?

Respond:

• What could standing in solidarity with marginalized people look like in your own life? What could it look like for your church? What are some ways that we can do things with those in poverty rather than for them?

Pray:

Thank You, God, for how You have created each person in Your image and redeemed each of us.

I pray that You would help us see each person, including those living in economic poverty, through Your eyes. I’m sorry for the times I have responded to others as problems rather than people and numbers rather than neighbours. Grant us humility as we respond to poverty. Open our eyes to how You draw us deeper into community with our neighbours and those in need. Guide us, God, as we endeavor to stand in solidarity with impoverished people daily. Reveal ways to effectively do things with those living in poverty rather than for them. Amen.