Step Into It

Step into It

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15

Our world is full of people who desperately need to experience the compassion of Jesus. Since Christ is always loving, tender, and sympathetic toward us, how can we not be the same toward others?

Compassion means opening your heart to those hurting around you and then doing something about it. It is both an emotion (feeling concern for someone) and an action (doing something to meet their need). Compassion compels you to intentionally step into the pain of the world, instead of trying to avoid it. You can’t force yourself to feel compassion, but it is possible to put your heart in the right posture to notice and sympathize with the hurt all around you.

The exercises this week ask you to reflect on God’s compassion toward you and then to imagine yourself in the shoes of those in need. Ask the Lord to change you into someone who notices the pain in the eyes of others, who is sensitive to unspoken needs, and who is always ready to serve.