Thank goodness! Bees and beekeepers are not limited to labels such as Democrat, Republican, Independent, communist, socialist, capitalist, rich, middle-class, poor, deserving, undeserving, Jew, Muslim, Christian, white, BIPOC, etc.
As beekeepers, we sometimes take resources (honey, pollen, brood) from stronger hives and move them to weaker ones not to weaken the strong hives, but to strengthen the weaker hives that might be in danger of dying. When I was inspecting my hives today, I did exactly that! The stronger hive will be fine because the bees themselves are strong and, even with fewer resources, they have more than enough to thrive.
Not only beekeepers but also bees work in ways that are counter-intuitive. Bees work together for the good of the whole hive, even if that means sacrificing themselves. Bees serve different functions based on age. At 18-21 days old, they are guards. If necessary, they sting potential invaders which results in their death.
I wonder what it would be like for humans to suspend all labels for a time to gain perspective of the whole of humanity.
The Bible has a lot to say about care of the poor, widow, orphan, and resident alien. I have listed a few below. The book of Amos also has great perspective.
What verses inform how you understand being serve-y and caring for “the least of these”?
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me …. just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me
Matthew 25:40
Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.
Proverbs 14:31
Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.”
Deuteronomy 15:11
Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?
Matthew 16:24-26 (Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24, 17:33; John 12:25)
Epicurious Lutheran 