Have you ever entertained the question, “Do you hurt when others hurt?”  This is a matter of empathy that is imprinted on my heart.  Sometimes the pain of others helps me remember incidences that occurred in my history that I have conquered and it encourages me to express to others that if God brought me through, God will do the same for you!

When we permit ourselves to feel the pain of others, we are more capable of responding to others with the heart of Christ.  Christ was patient and kind, gentle and caring, loving and sincere, doing everything in His power to comfort and encourage others.  When we feel the pain of others we extend ourselves in a positive manner to give assistance in the areas that are beneficial to their well-being.  We put their needs at the top of our priorities and work diligently to assist in the season that God puts us into their lives.

Let’s be mindful that God does not want us to enable others or handicap them by attempting to meet all of their needs.  God has a plan and will work His plan in a manner that will far exceed anything that we can do or say.  Sometimes, God’s plan is for us to respond at a distance and letting Him be first and foremost in their process of healing. 

When we have this strong since of connection with others, let’s begin with prayer; seeking God’s approval and instructions as to how we can best assist our friends in pain.  After praying, let’s be still for a while and wait for God to direct our steps so we won’t step out ahead of Him or commit to more than we are humanly capable of doing.  Trust God in the process and walk in the manner that God leads.  Be careful of the tricks of the devil, who roams about like a lion, seeking whom he/she may devour.

May I encourage us to stay focused and not get too emotionally involved.  Doing so will make us blind to the first reason God put us in such a place as this, sharing others’ pain.  We are not the full answer to others’ pain, just making a small contribution.  Please, let’s give God time and space to be the leader and use us as we are needed.

Remember to show unconditional love and respond with sincerity!  Listen for direction as to when our season in assisting is over and move on!  We will be needed again with someone else!