Weep with those who weep
MINISTER'S MOMENT

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."

(Romans 12:15)

Scrapes and bruises are a part of life for children. So, how do we salve those skinned-up injuries? When my son Bradley was a toddler, he demonstrated a good doctoring technique.

I was sweeping the driveway when six-year-old Channing came running past me. Before I could say, "Be careful," he lost his balance and down he went. As I was trying to console him and stop the flow of tears, Bradley came over and put his tiny arms around his brother as far as he could reach. Then he started crying. He wasn't physically hurt, but seeing his big brother crying made him cry. It was the best medicine for Channing.

Bradley's actions illustrate one of our caring responsibilities to fellow Christians who are hurting. We must feel enough of their pain to cause us to sorrow with them. We must listen to those who hurt so we can understand their agony. We must stay close to them so they can reach out to us in their time of need. We must offer help and hope…both spiritually and physically. We must hurt with them.

Godly Christians feel the pain of those who weep and are always ready to dispense some of Bradley's medicine.

Eternal God, thank you for sending your Son to earth.

We know that Jesus can understand the pain we experience because He himself experienced it when He left heavenand walked among us in a body of flesh and blood.

Help us to identify with the suffering of others in the same way

Our Savior identifies with our pain. In His name we pray, Amen.