How Can I See Through the Eyes of the Suffering?
When my life doesn’t go as envisioned, I get pretty bent out of shape. To be honest, I make mountains out of molehills and become totally self-absorbed. My troubles, small as they usually are, become the center of my life. I ignore people who are truly suffering, those whom God has called me to uphold and encourage.
More Music for the Soul
When I’m in that self-absorbed state, I need to listen to Steve Siler’s latest song of the month, Eyes of the Suffering. It reminds me of three things. First, I am not the only person to have suffered. Second, many have suffered much more than me and survived. Third, often my problems are not true suffering. The best way to quit making mountains out of my molehills is to see life through the eyes of someone who is truly suffering.
Devotion with Shelly Beach
This month’s devotion by Shelly Beach drives home the third point and challenged me to see life with a different perspective. Perhaps it will do the same for you. Read on!
The Eyes of the Suffering
I visited a church recently where the sermon explored the various ways nurturing parents reflect God’s love. And while the content was good, the assumption was that everyone in the congregation had been parented under ideal circumstances. As I sat and listened, I couldn’t help but ache for those listening who’d experienced parental abuse or abandonment or who struggled with their own parenting skills. Their pain went unacknowledged that morning.
Looking through the eyes of the suffering means that we make a conscious choice to set aside our preconceptions so we can see the world from a new perspective. It means shouldering the hurts and cares of people who may be living messy lives. It means walking places where we may not feel safe in order to come alongside those who live in fear. It means advocating for others because our hearts are burdened by injustice, disease, poverty, abandonment, and brokenness. It means we find it impossible to define people as unlovely or unworthy, for when we see through Christ’s eyes, we see people as image-bearers of Jesus.
Ask God to give you the ability to see through the eyes of Christ. Try on some uncomfortable shoes. As you do, you’ll find yourself not only changed, but partnering with God. “Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
If Steve’s song or Shelly’s devotion challenged your thinking, please leave a comment.
Thanks,
Jolene
