LESSENING THE PAIN OF OTHERS
There is something about pain and joy. Whenever we share joy, it is positive and helps others feel better, but it is the opposite of pain. When we share the pain, it is harmful and hurts others. When our friends are going through a crisis, they need us to help carry the load and lessen the pain.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
Sharing other’s pain is not the same as sympathy. Sympathy says, “I am sorry you hurt.” People do not need our sympathy. They need our empathy. Empathy says, “I hurt with you.” Sympathy stands at a distance. Empathy goes in close.
The ultimate form of love is compassion. Compassion says, “I will do anything I can to stop your hurt.”
When we read the Bible, we will find that Jesus was moved with compassion. Jesus shared in people’s hurt, and to stop others’ hurt, Jesus was willing to do whatever He could, including going to the cross. That is right; Jesus was willing to die to stop our hurt. That is compassion.
What do friends do for each other? They show up. When a friend shows up and finds their friend is sad, they sit and cry with that friend; they weep with those who weep.
Friends do not advise their friends to make themselves look good. They do not give advice when someone is not ready for it. They do not try to talk a friend out of their pain. They do not promise everything will be okay.
They show up, sit down, and hurt with their friend, and in doing so, they lessen the pain, and more importantly, they show the compassion of Jesus.
Do you know someone that is hurting today?
Heavenly Father, I want to show compassion as Jesus did when He walked upon this earth. He was always willing to show Your Love and compassion to others. I ask You to work in my life that I too, might be the example of love and compassion towards others. I live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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They Show Up, Sit Down, And Hurt With Their Friend, And In Doing So, They Lessen The Pain And More Importantly They Show The Compassion Of Jesus.
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