“If a person owns the kinds of things we need to make it in the world but refuses to share with those in need, is it even possible that God’s love lives in him?” (1 John 3:17 VOICE)
Amblyopia or ‘lazy eye’ is a medical condition caused by the improper development of nerve pathways between the retina and brain. The weaker eye receives fewer visual signals. Eventually the eyes’ ability to work together decreases and the brain ignores input from the weaker eye. Physical symptoms include poor depth perception, blurred vision, and eyes that wander involuntarily. The term ‘lazy eye’ is misleading. This developmental problem is not a choice.
In a culture where productivity and wealth are measures of success, those who are poor, obese, or unemployed are often mislabeled as lazy. Those with disabilities or weaknesses that are not externally obvious also tend to be judged as slackers. Unpaid and underpaid workers like stay-at-home parents, caregivers, volunteers, domestic workers, migrant farmers, activists, mentors, etc., also remain unappreciated. Jesus was not known for material wealth. He lived among the poor. Just as wealth is not always a result of hard work, poverty is not always due to lack of effort. No one chooses to be financially dependent or to be a burden on society. Instead of misjudging individuals and situations that we may not understand, let us extend grace, empathy, charity, and patience.
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