The Deeper Cut

I know I've addressed the need for community before. But I don't think I can stress it enough. So today I'm going with a different approach. Today I'm tackling things more from my personal perspective; one that is demonized by modern western culture, which worships and glorifies its independence above all else. Today, let's dig in to the idea of neediness.

Let me start off by saying how much I hate this use of the word "needy". If we look up that word in any given dictionary, the very first definition is probably going to be something like, "lacking the necessities of life", or more simply, "very poor", and having synonyms like disadvantaged, underprivileged, or impoverished. Strange, because when we hear that word used nowadays, it usually refers to something more emotional than physical. Also, it has a decidedly negative connotation, describing someone who should be either pitied or outright reviled. And yet, between the two contexts, what we find is very human. Always people who, by no real choice of their own, need to be loved in a specific sort of way.

So what does that mean? It means that instead of pity and revulsion, how about showing them love? That is what they need, after all. And love is a thing best expressed through action. So when we think of the needy in a physical sense, the Bible talks about giving them the things they need, not just wishing them well. It should be the same for the emotionally needy. And how is that done? By listening with an open heart and mind, and not speaking until you have done so.

As for the way the needy, in any sense of the word, should be looked at, should they not be seen as people who have been broken by their circumstances? It's not like they necessarily chose this lifestyle, after all, even if it was a bad decision that got them there. The consequences of that decision can't even be removed by a lesson learned. But by a helping hand from a patient, loving person, yes.

Now let's talk about that person's outlook and perspective. Even as a Christian, a person faced with a lot of adversity does not have an invincible emotional resolve. There is a breaking point for everyone, and although their faith may ultimately be unwavering, there's nothing unbiblical about them being down and depressed, or even feeling like God has abandoned them. In fact, a good portion of the book of Psalms comes from people in just such emotional states. To paraphrase Shakespeare, it's only human to bleed when cut.

Having lived a human life as Jesus, and even having experienced that exact feeling, God understands this. And as Christians, who are to strive to love as God loves, it's our responsibility to make efforts to understand as well. Unfortunately, for many people, who have not experienced true hardship in life, it can seem impossible to understand and empathize. So I pray for brokenness for all such people, as I did for myself nearly a year ago, so that there can be understanding, empathy, and ultimately love for the needy.

I also pray that that prayer is spoken from pure motives. Because to my shame, I'm certainly not above selfishness, even and especially in my prayers.