Today’s Bible Reading:
Proverbs 25-27; Romans 15
Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:
Topic: Empathy
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1:27-28
Like one who takes
away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs
to a heavy heart. (Prov 25:20 NIV)
OBSERVATION:
To strip someone of their clothing in the winter outdoors
would be cruel. No caring person would do such a thing. Yet Solomon in this
proverb compares singing joyfully to one who has suffered emotional heartbreak
to such cruelty. It is likened to the eruptive agitation created when vinegar
and baking soda are mixed. Most every elementary school student has tried or
seen such an experiment demonstrated in a test tube. The reaction causes a
bubbling up and over that can be quite messy. To behave cheerfully or flippantly
toward someone who is in pain is to demonstrate insensitivity and a lack of
empathy. It is like treating them cruelly.
APPLICATION:
How often when someone is going through a trying situation
will well-meaning Christians say something like, “Well, just praise the Lord
anyway.” Or, “When God closes a door He opens a window.” Or, “All things work
together for good to those who love the Lord…” Or, “So sorry, I’ll pray for
you… Okay, bye.” The point is not that these platitudes are wrong, it is that
we demonstrate no empathy for the person, either because of our own apathy or
because we are just clueless as to what to say or do. The greatest need of
grieving people is not to be cheered up. What they need is someone to
understand, to maybe just hold their hand or weep with them. They don’t need to
be fixed, they just need to be loved and cared for.
PRAYER:
Lord, grant me wisdom and understanding for my brothers and
sisters suffering through trials. Keep me from causing more pain. Rather, make
me an empathetic agent on their behalf of Your healing process through the love
of Christ. Amen. -AP
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