pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: empathy


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Giving All

Reading: Luke 7: 11-17

In His encounter with the woman outside of Nain, Jesus extends deep compassion.  He sees the funeral procession nearing His group and identifies the woman as the mother of the son who has died.  The deep compassion Jesus feels leads Him to offer her some words of comfort, “Don’t cry”.  Perhaps He chooses these words because He already knows what is coming next.

At times we too have encounters where we can see quickly that one is suffering or is in grief or is somehow afflicted.  Compassion rises up in our hearts as words begin to form in our minds.  We want to offer comfort or relief.  We want to help their situation.  But sometimes we do not know how or maybe we are unsure of what the next step will be so we really do not offer all of the compassion we are capable of giving.  We hold back.  Our words are short and superficial.  Then there is no commitment or need for follow through.

It is unclear whether or not Jesus knew the woman’s situation.  Maybe all He saw was her grief and He was moved with a deep compassion.  Or maybe He knew her full situation.  In either case, Jesus offered all He could.  He followed up His words of comfort with action.  Jesus called to the dead son to get up and He breathed new life into him.

In our encounters with those in need, we sometimes hesitate at the action step.  We pause and ask ourselves what this step of action might cost us.  Maybe we wonder if we really even have anything to offer that will help.  The cost and whether or not we have something to offer are things we should not consider.  What we have to first offer in all situations is free and costs us nothing.  The love of Christ in us should always lead the way.  What comes next is also a gift from God.  All that we have to share is a gift from God.  Whether a physical blessing or a gift such as empathy or compassion, God blesses us so that we can bless others.  God expects us to love freely, to not hold back.  Jesus demands of us what He was willing to give Himself: all.  Jesus gave all of Himself for you and for me.   Let us do the same for Him.


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Sheep with Good Hearts

In the parable of the sheep and the goats, the sheep are almost unaware of all the times that they helped another in need.  The acts of sharing love and offering care were just such a natural part of their lives that they didn’t notice how often they were in ministry to others.  I can almost seeing the lightbulb going off as they realized how much they had come to be like Jesus.

For many of us, it can be hard to help someone else as an equal.  The danger is in wanting to think how good we are for helping someone who is less fortunate  that ourselves.  It is so important to avoid the power relationship that we can so easily perceive.  Jesus met each person right where they were at and offered what He could then and there.  We are called to do the same.

When we encounter someone in need, the attitude we choose makes such a difference.  To offer empathy and understanding and encouragement, to give purely out of love, is what is expected.  If we can empower them as well, all the better.  Often a person wants to offer something and maybe it is as simple as sweeping the walk.  Maybe it is offering them a gift card to a store instead of showing up with a bag full of clothes and toys that you thought their children would like.  Either way, when we approach the situation as Jesus would, then we are starting with a good heart and pure motives.  Trust Him to guide you from there!

Scripture reference: Matthew 25: 31-46


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A “Can Do” Day

In my current church setting, we are a ‘downtown church.’  Those in need call and stop in on a fairly regular basis.  Our outreach center next door does a wonderful job meeting needs and providing services.  There and at the church itself we meet people and form relationships with some.  It is a neat thing to see those relationships grow and develop.

One of the realities is that the poor – both financially and in spirit – are near every church.  It could be the family down the street or gravel road.  Maybe the dad lost his job and they are struggling to pay the mortgage and put food on the table.  Maybe the weather wasn’t so good this year and the crop just did not pan out like they had hoped.  We just don’t know unless we are involved and engaged in the world around us.  Teresa of Avila said, “Yours are  the eyes with which Christ looks with compassion on this world.”  None of us has to look to far to find someone in need of a little compassion.

Oh for a few million dollars!  The reality is that we cannot help everyone and fund every need.  We cover a rent when we can, give out food or warm clothes when we can, and so on.  Once in a while we are blessed when we can meet a holy need too.  So we go on, as John Wesley said, doing all the good we can in all situations we can when we can.  May we each be blessed with a ‘can do’ moment today!

Scripture reference: Matthew 25: 31-46