Hello
It is 09:42 EST, and a mild tornado ripped through my community yesterday. Subsequently, we lost power and WiFi service, thus I have been out of commission for over 12 hours. As I type, I’m by a friend, getting caught up on the news (several lives lost) and accessing power and data.
For me, the near miss with the tornado was sobering; a clear reminder of God’s sovereignty and also the fragility of life. We were spared, not so many others. And so, even as I give thanks for life, shelter, friendships and electric power, I must consider those who are mourning losses at this time and ask God’s grace through their trials. On that note, here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief.” Job 16:5 NLT
Job’s friend was perhaps slightly misguided in his offer of sympathy, but nevertheless his offer carried a modicum of sincerity. When our family, friends or even our foes are undergoing seasons of trials, how do we respond? As I place the spotlight on us, my conscience reminds me that my response is contextual – who you are, how well I know you, what the need is; they all factor in. In some instances, a stranger might fare better, as I know less; in others , they wouldn’t for that very same reason. What about you? Do you have criteria for empathetic response to someone’s loss or trials?
The thing is, our God expects us to be equal opportunity empathizers. Oh yes! We are reminded that rain falls upon both the just and the unjust (Matthew 5). It shouldn’t take extra effort to be empathetic to someone else’s circumstance. Yet, like Job’s friends, we sometimes add caveats.
Lord Jesus! Help us heal so our dis-ease does not contaminate others with selfishness. Hear and forgive us I pray, in Jesus name amen
In Christ’s love and grace
