Monday, November 27, 2023
You have probably seen the three monkeys, each one covering either their eyes, ears, or mouth. From a Japanese story, they represent the idea that we must, “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.” While there are different interpretations of those three monkeys, one idea they convey is that we must not allow the dark things of the world into our lives.
When Jesus walked on the earth, he was repeatedly criticized for associating with sinners. Over and over, Jesus chose to meet with the less desirable members of society—the tax collectors, the sexually immoral, the sick, foreigners, the poor. Jesus even invited Judas, a man he knew would betray him, into his friend group.
God’s heart is so much bigger than we realize. He is intimate with us, intentionally showing up in both the big and the little things. God cares about you and me—and even about those people—more than our brains can fathom or our hearts can hold.
Matthew 5:3-4, 9
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted…. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
The problem is, if we choose to see, hear, and speak no evil, like those monkeys, we risk missing out on God’s mission. By ignoring the brokenness in the world, we shut out the purpose God offers us—to bring a little bit of light into that darkness.
Ephesians 5:8
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!
This doesn’t mean we should fill ourselves up with the scary, dark things that happen in this world. In fact, it is important to limit news intake and unhealthy relationships. However, God doesn’t want us to completely block out the terrible truths, either. We need to face them, knowing that he will be with us every step of the way.
God’s heart is boundless, and he wants us to experience that love, both for ourselves and for others. Demonstrate God’s heart by stepping outside of your comfort zone and being open to seeing, hearing, and speaking with those who have experienced evil in this world.
Questions:
How can you step out of your comfort zone today? Who can you talk to, to hear their story and show up as God’s light?
Next Steps:
Find a way that you can regularly see, hear, and speak with those who have experienced evil. Ask yourself how God feels about certain situations you are in, and think about how you can bring some of his love and light into the issue.
Prayer:
Father, You love your people so much. I want to love the way you do. I ask that the things that delight you, delight me, and the things that hurt you, hurt me. Align my heart with yours, God, and fill me with your light. I love you. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
This post was written by Lydia Snyder, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.