Burned “blankies”? Many years ago, Holly received an early morning call from our grandson, James. He told her his favorite “blankie” had a burn hole in it. Curious six-year-old James had touched it to the wood stove. Nana fixed it with a Green Bay Packers logo patch, turning the mishap into something special.
Think about it. Compassion is a good beginning; but touching those we feel love and compassion for with works of service is better.
God’s Word tells us: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:17-18).”
Sympathy sees and says, “‘I’m sorry.” Compassion sees and says, “‘I’ll help.” Understanding this difference allows us to make a difference. When we open our eyes and hearts to others' suffering, compassion is planted. God calls us to action, not just awareness. Blankies need fixing, not mourning. Let’s nurture and act on that compassion.
We pray: “Heavenly Father, help us to see and respond to the needs of others with compassion. Teach us to love not just in words, but through our actions. May we be instruments of Your grace, fixing what is broken and nurturing seeds of kindness and compassion in our hearts. In Jesus name. Amen.”
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34)
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