Two years after the initial conflict in Ukraine, many Americans have largely forgotten about the ongoing struggles faced by the country. This tendency to forget often occurs after a global crisis, as attention shifts to other pressing issues or more immediate concerns. Despite the initial widespread attention and support that Ukraine received during Russia’s invasion, aid and attention have dwindled over time, leaving the country and its people in a state of neglect. Ukraine has even become a political pawn in some circles, especially as the focus shifted to the US presidential elections. The diminishing support and attention highlight the transient nature of global awareness and the challenges faced by nations in sustaining aid and solidarity amid competing priorities.
As a pastor with personal connections to Ukraine, the ongoing devastation of the conflict has deeply impacted me. Despite the dwindling attention from the global community, I have made multiple trips to Ukraine over the past two years to offer support and encouragement to those affected by the conflict. Through these visits, I have witnessed firsthand the continued suffering of individuals and communities, many of whom feel neglected by the global church. Scripture reminds us of our responsibility to remember and support those who are suffering, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the importance of bearing one another’s burdens. By continuing to remember and advocate for the needs of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and other vulnerable communities, we not only reflect the love of Christ but also prepare ourselves for our own potential suffering and draw closer to the heart of God. Through prayer, advocacy, and practical support, we can play a vital role in alleviating the suffering of others and embodying the compassion and care exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Christianity Today:
Today, with our short attention spans and so many ongoing global crises, it is difficult to center our hearts on individual stories of devastation. Yet I believe it is vital for us as believers to consistently remember the suffering of our siblings in Christ—and to cultivate this remembrance as a habitual practice in our busy and distracted lives.
Whenever I think about Ukraine, I can’t get the words of Hebrews 13:3 out of my mind. The author implores followers of Jesus Christ to “continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (emphasis mine).
Image credit: Photo by Tina Hartung on Unsplash
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