I'm overwhelmed by the needs of the world; am I too sensitive?
There is a difference between being sensitive to and caring about the needs of the world and being overwhelmed by them; one is healthy while the other isn't. Healthy sensitivity to the needs of the world leads to compassionate action that can help alleviate the struggles and problems that others are dealing with. This becomes unhealthy when it gets to the point of being constantly overwhelmed by the world's needs. This is a sign that you have slipped from compassion into control, believing that fixing and bearing the weight of the world's misery lies primarily on your shoulders. Only God can bear the full weight of the world's needs.
First, being sensitive about the needs of the world is absolutely important. It's good for you to care about the needs of the world, for it shows that you are not exclusively self-focused and are walking as Jesus did. We see the effects of the fall around us every day. The presence of sin in the world opens the door for pain, sorrow, and all types of disasters (Genesis 3:16–19). When we see these struggles, we should be like Jesus—moved with compassion that compels us to action (Matthew 9:36; 14:14). Paul instructs us to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2), and John tells us that giving to those in need is a sign of God in us: "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" (1 John 3:17; see also James 2:15–16). This does not mean that there are no boundaries in how we give (Deuteronomy 16:17; Matthew 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).
In this modern digital age, we are inundated daily with news of all the worst tragedies and issues happening around the world. Now, more than ever, it's easy to fall into the trap of being overwhelmed. Being overwhelmed can lead to overextension and an anxious attempt to control everything—"it's up to me to fix this"—or it can lead to under involvement and a false feeling of validation in our own apathy—"what could I do that would make a difference?" Both may feel correct, but neither of these are the best option. As Christians, we need to stay sensitive while maintaining healthy emotional boundaries. It's good to experience sadness over the needs present within the world, but it becomes unhealthy when it gets to the point of feeling hopeless, making us become controlling or apathetic in our response to pain.
Yes, we are to do what we can to be generous toward others with our resources, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God. This is part of what James refers to as "true religion" (James 1:27; see also Proverbs 19:17; Zechariah 7:9–10; Galatians 6:9). We must also remember that, ultimately, God is in control. And if we give in to fear or the feeling of false responsibility, we are essentially trying to take away the control from Him. Jesus promises: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28–30). We are to cast our anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7). As we do what we can to seek justice and help others, we can find peace in knowing that God is the One who will bring ultimate judgment to wrongdoers and justice to the world (Isaiah 1:17; 61:8; 1 Peter 1:17; Job 34:12).
Galatians 6:9–10 says, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." We should do what we can to tangibly express God's love and His justice to our hurting world. We must also remember that the best gift we can give is to share the truth of His gospel; comfort in this world is ultimately meaningless apart from Christ. Let us love in truth and in action, being ambassadors for Christ in the way we live and interact with a hurting world. Rather than be overwhelmed by the needs of our world, let us take them to God in prayer, praising Him for His care and responding to His direction. He is far more sensitive to the needs of the world than we are, and He will one day bring full restoration.
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