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hurting with those who hurt


It is easy to grow cold to the pain and suffering of others when you deal with it often, yet in the past couple weeks I have seen some of the same things, heard many similar stories that I’ve heard before.  But my heart continues to hurt with those who hurt.

Exodus 3:7 (NASB)
The Lord said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.

God is the same.  The Bible shares with us on many occasions that our God not only knows the pain of His people, but He hurts with us and does something about it.  Jesus was touched by the death of his friend Lazarus as it says in John 11:35 when Jesus cried.  The four Gospels tell us that when Jesus saw hurting people that He was moved with compassion for them.

Pain is real.  All around us there are people who are hurting and need someone to come along side them to encourage, share and even cry.  God does that and so should we.

Have you become cold to the pain of the people around you?  Do you see the guy or girl on the side of the road with the sign needing food, or do you see the homeless person sleeping outside as you drive down the road? 

That reminds me of the story of the Good Samaritan.  Several religious people saw the one who was hurting, but they did nothing to help.  It was the guy most likely not to help that stopped to help.  We should do the same.  You may not have the money to help this person.  You may not understand fully what is going on.  Yet you and I can do something.

It stretches me to try to help hurting people, and often I’m not sure what to do.  But I can listen.  I can pray.  Together we can seek help and make a difference in that person’s life.  You most likely know that our church and Dream Center help people every week who are hurting.  At times I have found myself growing cold to people, but God will once again warm my heart.

I wish I could help everyone.  We can’t.  I wish we could house every homeless person.  We can’t.  I wish we could help over and over and over, but we can’t as the resources run low.  But I can do what God did and what God calls us to do.

1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

God, help me to be sensitive to the needs and hurts of the people around me.  Use me to encourage and help others.  I pray others will do the same.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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