Consider how a material-only handout, i.e. giving food, without relationship, might heighten someone’s feelings of shame and disgrace. Consider how listening and getting to know someone might help someone feel valued and heard.
Pre-video Question
Read Isaiah 58:10-12
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the
hungry and satisfy the needs of the
oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.”
Discuss as a group: What does it mean to “spend yourself” in verse 1O?
Watch the “Spend Yourself” Session 2:
https://www.rightnowmedia.org/content/series/375381?episode=3
Discussion Questions
- What are your initial thoughts, impressions or takeaways from the film?
- In the film, Andy says, “the biggest problem these kids face is a lack of expectations”. Why is this a
problem and why might it be connected to material poverty (living in a low income
community)?
Many people, especially those in developed nations, view poverty primarily as a material problem (lack of money or resources) and often respond to needs by donating money. Donating is a great thing, but money alone doesn’t solve poverty. In fact, a material-only approach to poverty can cause harm by (a) presuming we know what people need and misdiagnosing the situation, (b) increasing feelings of shame and low self-worth by jumping in with money to solve the problem, and inadvertently communicating that they don’t have any assets/ strengths worth building upon, and (c) directing them toward dependence, and delaying the path to a sustainable solution that breaks the cycle of poverty. As you watch the films, think about what it means to “spend ourselves”, in relationship, vs. helping by donating money.
- Amir says “money is not going to fix their vulnerability; love is going to fix their
vulnerability.” and, “building a relationship with them is really important.” Jenny says, “we didn’t need money to go into the neighborhood. We needed to spend ourselves.” Compare and contrast the benefits and challenges of spending yourself versus taking a material or financial approach to helping? What is the cost? What are the benefits? - Sarah says, “It’s not that I’m an expert on anything, really. It’s just that I can talk to them and tell them that I’m there.” Josh and Jenny said, “How do you create a plan for people you don’t know?”. Amir started out with a plan: “At first my idea was…” but then changed, ”so we had the format the way they wanted.” Why is it our tendency to feel that we need to be the experts and to propose solutions ourselves, rather than listening, letting people set their own goals, find their own solutions and supporting them through relationship?
- Read Isaiah 58:10-12 again, and 1 Cor 13:3. Discuss the impact and benefit to our own spiritual life when we spend ourselves?
THE PRACTICE OF JUSTICE-Children and Youth
Assess in your own life, what “spend yourself” investments you are making at the moment.
Are you mostly giving financially or giving relationally?
Are you stepping outside your relational circle to connect with those who are “outside the camp” (hungry, oppressed, marginalized – Isaiah 58:10)? What gets in our way and keeps us from helping others?
Take some time out of your week to intentionally go out of your way to spend yourself by making time to just listen and learn about someone else’s story or situation. Try to apply the principles from the film: listening and learning, not prescribing any solutions, and putting aside any assumptions or prejudices you might carry with you into this conversation. Just listen, and demonstrate that they are worth you stopping and listening to their story.
