Tag Archives: compassion

November 13
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“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.”  (Hebrews 13:3, NIV)

I do not believe it to be a coincidence that the writer of the book of Hebrews encourages us to be hospitable (verse 2) immediately before encouraging us to be sympathetic (verse 3).  One virtue compliments the other.

If you are unsure how to extend hospitality, put yourself in the other person’s place, and you’ll never be far from the mark.  To meet the need of someone who is suffering, allow yourself to get close enough to the need at hand and the Holy Spirit will inform your speech and guide your hands.

Prison and maltreatment are two states where a person is prone to being forgotten.  As disciples of Jesus, we are led to such places to provide hope and healing.  – Luther

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October 27
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“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”  (Hebrews 2:18, NIV)

Empathy = “‘Been there.  Done that’. . .  and reaching back to help others traveling the same road.”

The cost of empathy is always a personal one, which is why it resonates in a way that “informed” but “inexperienced” advice and presence cannot.

As the architect of humanity, Jesus was certainly informed of the human condition; but without becoming fully human Himself, it is like being the designer of a house, but never living within the house of one’s own design.  Living in the human condition is different than being informed of it.

When you endure hardship, know that there is One who has walked in your shoes Who is able to help you live through the difficulty; and also know that you are becoming the one who, like Jesus, is able to empathize with others in their distress.  It is a gift.  – Luther

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September 8
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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

The comfort and compassion available to us for use when helping others is as powerful, as resilient, and as timely as what we’ve received from God when we’ve been troubled.

In fact, what we receive today fills our reservoir for service to others tomorrow.  God does, indeed, reach-down to bring us up; but God also employs His willing children to come alongside to bring us along.  When we are faithful to reach-out, to reach-over, or to reach-back for others, it is not only our own power that strengthens our grip; it is the power of God through us!

Never hesitate to go where God has ordered; or to serve where God has placed you.  We are His hands and His arms to those in distress.  – Luther

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