APP: A four-year-old boy lived next door to an elderly man who had recently lost his wife. When he saw his neighbor cry, the little boy went into the man’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the man, the little boy simply replied, “Nothing. I just helped him cry.” That’s compassion. It’s more than just sympathy or concern. It’s putting our caring into action. It’s one thing to see someone hurting or hungry or lonely, but it’s another story to actually do something about it.
When was the last time you helped someone cry? There are a lot of hurting people in our world today who would love to have someone quietly understand and cry with them. (Guys, this goes for you, too!) We don’t have to look very far to find someone whose life has been slammed and needs to experience our kindness. These people are on our campuses, in our neighborhoods, at work, and sometimes even in our own homes. Or maybe it’s a child living in a foreign land who doesn’t have clothes to wear or enough to eat. Let’s work together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our own.
“A new commandment I give you, to love one another; that as I have loved you, you also may love one another. It is by this that every one will know that you are my disciples—if you love one another.”
JOHN 13:34–35 WNT
And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.
EPHESIANS 4:32 AMP
The LORD’s love never ends; his mercies never stop.
LAMENTATIONS 3:22 NCV
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
1 PETER 3:8 NLT
He will again have compassion on us; He will subdue and tread underfoot our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
MICAH 7:19 AMP
“This is what the LORD All-Powerful says: ‘Do what is right and true. Be kind and merciful to each other.’ ”
ZECHARIAH 7:9 NCV