Compassion

Imagine leaning over and telling an individual who is experiencing excruciating pain from falling down and breaking their ankle – “It’s going to be ok…it could be worse…I know someone who is in a complete body cast.” Although the statement may be true, to speak it at that particular moment would be considered, among other things, very heartless to that person’s immediate need of help and comfort.

Likewise, to approach an individual who is in excruciating pain from a broken heart and make statements such as – “It’s going to be ok…it could be worse…I know someone who has it far worse than you…” would be, among other things, very insensitive to that person’s immediate need as well.

My thought today? Let’s think and pray before we speak to hurting hearts. Sometimes it’s best to say nothing. Other times we may need to speak but, if so, let’s ask the Lord to help us to choose our words carefully. Careless words spoken in haste will only deepen wounds. Careless words spoken in haste may also earn US a trip around the block in THEIR shoes. (Although this is normally a very effective course on “Compassion”, the class time is not a very pleasant experience…not at all!) When in doubt, praying for that individual is always in order!

“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion…” Psalm 145:8