3:324 – Things Unseen

#faithbites #faithjourney unseen

Setting

Most people would look at me and say I look fine. Today, I did what I needed to, said hi to people, and tried to do what I can. What remained unseen is the excoriating pain I am in from my back. If you looked at my nieces, you would see that they looked fine, but wouldn’t know their kidney issues. Looking around at all, you only see what people want you to see or what you are open to see. So much remains unseen. If we saw the hurt that someone was going through, would you treat them different? If you saw their heart, would you be more kind?

Our faith is all about that which is unseen (Hebrews 11:1). We can’t see God (John 5:37) but we know his works. You can’t touch faith, but see how it is rewarded. What we think of as heaven is from the Bible, but we can’t touch it and haven’t been there (Book of Revelation). It is unseen, but we trust it and love it. Now, what if we took that same principle towards those around us? How would the world be different?

Scripture

• 2 Corinthians 4:18 – So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
• Hebrews 11:1 – Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

Reflection

What if we truly treated others as our faith tells us to: Love God and Love People. What if we appreciated that which is unseen just as we do in our faith. We would treat others with more love, respect, kindness, and patience.

I’m not asking for special treatment or a pity party. I don’t think anyone who is suffering wants that. What I want, and I assume others want, is to be acknowledged for who we are and what struggles we may be going through. Even without knowing the details, we can be kind and helpful.

This isn’t easy. When you see someone strong, it’s easy to assume they are doing well inside. We make judgements all the time. The truth is, we are much more complex that we show on the outside. We could all use a little kindness, help, and love.

Challenge

Try to look at someone as whole person. You may not know what they are going through but there is something they are going through. Jesus tells us life will be a struggle (1 Peter 5:10) but he will restore us. Let’s try to realize that everyone is going through something and treat them with love, offer help, and try to relate if we can.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, tonight I pray for everyone in pain. Be it mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical. Surround them with healing, protection, and peace. Lord, help us to realize that everyone is going through something and needs help and support. Let your people be the ones who others turn to for that love and kindness. While our pains and struggles may be unseen to others, you know them and promise to help us with them. In your name, we pray, Amen.