Do You See This Woman?

Read Luke 7:36–50

Being seen is powerful. So many people in the Bible, like Hagar, felt forgotten and invisible, but God saw them and loved them. One of the most beautiful moments in the Bible is when Jesus sees a woman who was judged and rejected by everyone else. She came to him and poured out her love and worship, and everyone around her was shocked.

Jesus didn’t judge her—he welcomed her love and affirmed her. He saw her. This is the kind of love God has for us: unconditional and full of grace.

For this woman, this act of love involved a physical sacrifice. A sacrifice of how people would see her, plus a sacrifice of what she owned. 

When we offer our love, worship and what is in our hand to God, it doesn’t matter how others see us or judge us—what matters is that we are seen by God and loved by him. Just like the woman, we can give our all to Jesus, knowing that he sees us and values us.

Our offering plus God’s hope, love and joy will work a miracle in our own life and in the lives of others. 

• Have there been moments in your life where you’ve felt truly seen and loved by God? What can you do to remind yourself of his love for you every day?

• What would it look like for you to show love to someone who feels unseen or judged?

This week, think of one person who might feel invisible or unappreciated. Take the time to see them, offer encouragement and show them love just like Jesus did.

God, thank you that you see me. Thank you that you see those who feel unseen. We pray that you would fill us with courage and a desire to give you our everything. Please show us who we can see and who we can show your love to this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.