If you spend any time on social media platforms, online news articles, or the letter to the editor section of our local newspaper, you will quickly discover that compassion is in very short supply.  Amidst the polarity of politics and the curtness of “Cancel Culture,” there seems to be an ever growing lack of empathy, understanding and grace in our present time. 

As followers of Jesus and children of the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, we are called to compassion. Compassion means to “suffer together.”  It means to walk in the shoes of the hurting and to feel what they are feeling. It means to empathize. To seek understanding. To comfort.

How are we to do this? Scripture tells us. Just as we have been comforted by God and received His compassion, we too are to be compassionate and a source of comfort to others. Just as we receive it, we are to freely give it! This is what will separate us from the world around us. This is what we, as followers of Jesus, have to offer the world!

For today, look for an opportunity to bring comfort and compassion to someone you encounter. Walk in their shoes for a minute. Seek understanding and ask for the ability to love them as Jesus would.