How can I be more sensitive toward others?

Job 2:11-13When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.

Romans 16:2Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.

We can show sensitivity to others by compassionately moving to meet their needs.

Romans 15:1-2We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

1 Peter 3:8Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

We can be more thoughtful of others by considering what will best strengthen their relationship with God.

Ephesians 5:33So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 6:1-2Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:

Colossians 3:21Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

We can be more thoughtful by obeying God’s basic guidelines for family roles and responsibilities, showing each other love, respect, and honor.

1 Thessalonians 2:7As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.

We can be more willing to lay aside our own rights and treat others with gentleness and care.

Proverbs 12:25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Proverbs 15:28The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

James 1:19Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

We can be more thoughtful with our words by listening well and thinking before we speak. Our encouraging words can meet very important needs. But listening first will not only help us fully understand the need, it will also gain us the right to address it.

Ruth 2:15-16When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!”

Proverbs 3:27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

Romans 12:8If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Hebrews 13:16Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

1 John 3:17If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

God has equipped each of us in special ways to meet the needs of others. When we are looking for ways to use our gifts for others, we will be more thoughtful and sensitive to their needs.