Overwhelming Compassion
One my closest friends had lost her son in a tragic accident. He was loved by everyone. He was respectful, outgoing, and had a contagious smile. His unexpected death hit our church and our community hard. Most of all, it devastated his family.
Our two families had spent a lot of time together and his loss affected Rusty, my children, and myself. For me, seeing my friend grieve the loss of her son and not knowing how to help her hit extremely hard. I cried every day for weeks. Eventually, I found myself sitting in a Christian counselor’s office, a place I never thought I’d be but needing to find relief as not understanding my feelings were beginning to affect my work and my home life.
Going to see a counselor wasn't easy. I’d never been before and I felt almost as if I didn’t have a right to be there since the anxiety I was feeling was rooted in the loss of a child that wasn’t mine. I explained to her that I was having a difficult time and that I didn’t want anyone to know that I was there. As I laid out my overwhelming emotions of the situation, she asked me, “Why are you being so hard on yourself for hurting for your friend?” Then she talked about how the Bible addressed compassion and how what I was feeling was part of how God made me. How everyone doesn't relate to other's feelings but it's ok when we do. I’ve never looked at it the same.
In John 11, we read the story of Lazarus, Jesus’ friend who was eventually raised from the dead. Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha who were also friends of Jesus. The Bible says that when Jesus saw Mary and others weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit, and He wept. Jesus knew that Lazarus’ death was all part of God's greater plan, and He knew the ultimate outcome. Yet, He showed compassion and was moved to tears by seeing others hurting. Realizing that Jesus himself was affected in such a way, made me understand that it’s ok to feel deeply for others in their time of hurt, even when we are aware that God has control of the situation at all times.
If you have the gift of compassion, don’t be afraid to show it. If you don't, figure out what other area He gifted you in and use it. (Link to survey below) Don’t be reluctant to accept other’s compassion when it comes your way. God may have placed them there to walk with you during your difficult season.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. -Romans 12:15
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. -Galatians 6:2
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