They are there, but do we See Them?- by Bev Allegretti

James 2 The Voice (VOICE)

​Do we see them? Do we see the others? Those that are impoverished and suffering the inequities of our society. Do we see the ones who look like they are fine, but deep down inside they are suffering? Suffering from lack of insurance, suffering the loss of providing for their family, suffering the mental strain that they had before this pandemic struck, but are now suffering even worse, and the homeless population.

Would you consider the other the least of these? These are the people Jesus tells us to invite to the head of our table to sit and eat with us. These are the folks that Jesus says will inherit the kingdom.
So, what are we to do? Are we to say look at those underserved communities and peoples? Something should be done to help them. In

James 2 14-16 we read: “Shalom, friend, you should get inside where it’s warm and eat something,” but doing nothing about his needs—leaving him cold and alone on the street. What good would your words alone do? 
So how can we as a body and/or person, see an inequity and not move on it to make a change? Our words alone can have some influence on change, they may stir someone to action, but we are called to do something to cause or make this change happen. As people have come to realize when there is
a mass shooting, that yes, we need to pray, but we also must act along with our prayers.

James 2:20 says: The fact is, faith must show itself through works
performed in faith. If you don’t recognize that, then you’re an empty
soul.
Acts 1:8 says: Here’s the knowledge you need: you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be My witnesses, first here in Jerusalem, then beyond to Judea and Samaria, and finally to the farthest places on earth.

These are action phrases. They call us to do something. They are asking us to be the witness for Jesus to the least of these in our world today! To show the Others that we come across in our journey who Jesus is.

May this be our prayer….
Lord, as you walked amongst the Others, those who suffered inequities of life, may we be drawn to not only see these people, but also be the change that they are seeking. We would also pray for those who we think are suffering but are quite content to be where they are. May we be accepting of them and meet them right where they are. May we love them just as they are. We also pray that during this pandemic, you Jesus, will provide for all your creation. Be the support for all who are suffering both seen and unseen illnesses and inequities. We pray all this in your name … Amen.

​Please listen to this song and see how it speaks to you today….

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