Mending broken lives

ALL training in social care will include Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, which begins with physical necessities and reaches its peak with ‘self-actualisation’. Only at this stage can an individual reach his or her full potential, having dealt with physical needs, relationships and self-esteem.

Many people have said: ‘I felt something was missing.’ Perhaps they had a settled home, a regular job and a loving family, but still did not feel complete.

A recent television programme followed children who were ‘reunited’ with parents they had never known. One of these children – now an adult – described the feeling of having ‘a hole’ in their life, which they hoped would be filled by meeting the missing parent.

Too often we hear of people whose lives are damaged, not only in a physical sense, but also through broken relationships with people and with God.

Zacchaeus’s life was broken. His story (see Luke 19:1–10) tells us he was wealthy and a chief tax collector. He was a man who had authority and lived luxuriously. Unfortunately, he used his position to take more tax than was necessary, and his fellow Jews saw him as a collaborator with the Roman authorities.

Because of his behaviour and attitude he was ostracised by his community. ‘All the people’ recognised him as ‘a sinner’ (v7 all quotations from New International Version). He had few meaningful relationships and a lack of emotional interaction. He would have been isolated and friendless. In addition, his choice of work would have led to him being unwelcome at the synagogue. He had no opportunity to worship and his spiritual life was empty.

Here was a man who seemed to be living with no material worries, yet the important areas of his life were unfulfilled. Jesus meets this thief, this outcast, this broken man – knows all about him, and yet accepts him. None of this prevented Jesus from interacting with Zacchaeus and meeting him in a place where he was comfortable. By acknowledging Zacchaeus, Jesus offers him acceptance and a feeling of worth. He helps Zacchaeus realise the problem and gives him the support to put things right.

The people who knew Zacchaeus did not wish to associate with him. They judged him because of his position, but did not take the time to get to know him. They were shocked that Jesus would want to spend any time with him and yet, after the briefest of meetings, Zacchaeus was transformed. He saw the problems he was causing and made restitution.

We are all surrounded by people who, seemingly, are content with life. But do we know what is actually going on in the part of their lives we do not see? Do we take the time to get to know the person in the office who is avoided by everyone? Do we offer encouragement to those who are always downhearted?

As people of God, we have a responsibility to get alongside such people and accept them. Those who have broken relationships and live in isolation need someone to show them friendship.

The story of Jesus healing the leper (Matthew 8:2–4) shows that he readily spent time with those who were isolated in – and by – society. It also shows how, after curing him, he helped to restore him to his social community; he sent him to the priest so he could be welcomed back to his faith community.

A woman recently linked up with one of our drop-in centres. Her story revealed a family breakdown many years ago. She had gone to London and became involved in the sex trade. Through the support and encouragement of staff and volunteers at the drop-in centre, the woman was able to renew contact with her family. A visit was arranged and eventually she was able to return home and be restored to her family. Contact was made with the local corps and she has maintained this connection.

Jesus came that we ‘may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). Is there something missing in your life? Perhaps you see individuals who are searching, who want to belong.

Only through Jesus can these lives be restored and fulfilled.

• Major Watchorn is Regional Manager, London Region Homelessness Services, THQ