If you know me personally or have heard my story, you probably know that while we lived in Russia, my family and I spent many years caring for and serving orphaned children in our region. Part of our vision was to involve as many volunteers and business leaders as possible, because together we could accomplish far more than we could on our own.

Many people were generous. They gladly gave and shared ideas, wanting to help. Yet many preferred not to meet the children or spend time with people in need. They would often say, “I don’t want to be there because it’s too painful to see what they are going through. I won’t be able to sleep afterward.”

We avoid other people’s pain for many reasons that seem reasonable to us.

People brought a deaf man who could hardly speak to Jesus. In the first century, deafness meant far more than a physical disability. It often meant a life of social isolation. A man like this would have had little opportunity for education, meaningful work, or an independent life. Many would have seen him as a burden on society. Perhaps he even saw himself as a burden to his family—a man without hope or value.

Mark tells us that after Jesus touched the man, He sighed. The Greek word estenaxen (ἐστέναξεν) describes a deep sigh or groan born of inner sorrow. This was not the sigh of someone annoyed by yet another interruption. Nor was it the sigh of exhaustion that so often expresses frustration. It was compassion. Jesus felt this man’s pain before healing him.

Scripture reminds us that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses.

The world teaches us to protect our hearts by keeping a safe distance from others’ pain. Christ shows us a different way. Love does not walk past suffering; it draws near. Compassion always costs something. It demands time, attention, emotional strength, and sometimes even sacrifice.

That is how God loves us. Our God does not watch our pain from afar. He enters into it.

Practice: Remember the example of Jesus, and do not be too quick to turn away from someone else’s pain. Call someone going through a difficult season. Visit them. Or simply take time to listen. Sometimes the greatest miracle God performs through us is to allow His compassion to become visible in our presence.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for never remaining indifferent to my pain. Give me a heart that reflects Your compassion. Help me not to walk past those in need of love, encouragement, and hope today. Amen.