“They pile heavy burdens on people’s shoulders and won’t lift a finger to help.”
Matthew 23:4 (CEV)
Jesus was talking about the Pharisees in this chapter, saying some non-complimentary things. This verse was the first to stick out and I decided to write about it, not because I think we put heavy burdens on people but because, well, maybe sometimes we don’t help.
In the third week of October, my family hosted a birthday party for some older, widowed men. It was a small way to bring some encouragement to them and to let them have a fun night. After supper, there was a time of sharing where the men could tell their stories. It was sad, hearing about the pain of losing their wives; but I think it helped the men, being able to talk about it and sharing it with other men in the same boat. Anyway, the men were really thankful that we did this, and we’re planning on continuing to do it.
And that’s what we Christians all should do–find a way to help, to brighten someone’s life, to encourage them–even if it’s something small. We can’t necessarily take the burden away, but we can bear it with them.
If we see someone carrying a burden and we don’t offer help–if we don’t lift a finger to assist–then we’re really no better than the Pharisees.
Look for ways to lighten a load today–whether it’s a family member’s, friend’s, coworker’s, or a random person’s. Ask, “How can I help?”
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the many hurting people around us and praying for God to give me compassion for them. But as I studied that out more, I’m realizing, God wants us to take it a step further and have EMPATHY. What’s the difference you ask? Compassion is the ability to feel for another living being. Empathy is the ability to not only understand anotherās feelings, but also to become one with that personās distress⦠to put yourself in their shoes and imagine what theyāre going through in that situation. Lord, fill me with empathy! Thanks for… Read more »
Thanks for commenting, Dad! š I, too, have been having my eyes opened to the hurt around me and have been asking God to fill me with compassion. But now I have to change that to “fill me with empathy”! š