Compassionate Friendship

Make allowance for each other’s faults. . . . Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

“Would you mind reading that poster aloud?” the leader asked me from the front of the room. Immediately uncomfortable, I watched as every face in the room turned expectantly toward my own. I opened my mouth, gulped, and then—froze.

As for many people, public speaking has always been a source of terror for me. I remember exactly how it started: I attended a small Christian school that required every K–12 student to memorize a poem or other writing and recite it in front of the student body. Though I’m sure the teachers had good intentions, the task went awry for me. As I got up to recite my short poem, I froze. It was too much for my six-year-old heart to take. Embarrassed, I left the stage in tears.

Since then, I’ve struggled not to freeze up or become overwhelmed when asked to speak in public. Sometimes, I’m successful. Other times, I’m not. The poster-reading night was one of the unsuccessful occasions.

Mercifully, my friend Erin noticed my discomfort and stepped in.

“Do you want me to read it?” she asked me kindly.

“I was a teacher,” she explained to the other ladies when I said yes, gratefully, and collapsed back into my chair as the attention turned her way.

At that moment, I felt profoundly grateful for my friend, whose kind offer rescued me from an embarrassing situation. I was so thankful for her compassion. As Christians, we’re reminded to lead with love and make allowance for the faults of others. While the fears we face aren’t necessarily faults, they can certainly feel like weaknesses. And though sometimes we need to face our fears, other times we simply need someone to walk alongside us in our distress.

My friend’s quick response reminded me that in the same way, our gracious God sees our weaknesses and is moved to compassion, not disdain. He does not hold our weaknesses against us; instead, he wants us to lean on him. When we face challenges and choose to turn toward others or God himself, we can be thankful for the reminder that we’re never alone.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

When confronted with a weakness—whether it’s your own or someone else’s—choose to be compassionate. If you feel weak, thank those who encourage you to be strong.