In January 2019, a U.S. Census Bureau survey reported that 11 percent of respondents indicated symptoms of anxiety or depression. Just twenty-two months later in December 2020, the percentage nearly quadrupled to more than 42 percent. As believers, we are the ones called to truly "see" the lonely and hurting among us. What if instead of getting caught up in our own busy calendars and daily stressors, we dialed into the needs of those around us, listening with bold intentionality and responding to them with extravagant thoughtfulness and outrageous kindness? Jesus offered us the ultimate example of how to serve and minister to others by meeting people right where they were. Through us, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and family members should experience that same grace, kindness, and loving attention.
Author Dustin Schadt offers a biblical and theological basis for seeing people, outlines practical ways that individuals, families, schools, nonprofits, small groups, churches, and other organizations can collectively value, focus on, and respond to the world around us. Our care builds a bridge of trust strong enough to bear the weight of our gospel conversations.
Kindness has become a precious commodity. We are fast-paced, busy, and often distracted. In a world marked by skepticism, loneliness, and anxiety, Christ-followers must be the ones who live beyond differences and distractions to see the people God places in our lives. Jesus saw us, drew closer, and gave Himself up to make a way for us to come to Him. He is calling us to do the same-to love people the way Jesus loved people, ears open and eyes widen to the beauty of the love of Christ shown in His gospel. Dustin Schadt is the lead pastor of Northside Church in metro Atlanta. He and his wife April have been married for twenty-one years, and they have four children.
