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A Little Sympathy, Please!

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. I Peter 3:8-9, ESV

There’s a quote I’ve seen all over social media attributed to several people, but it seems the originator was possibly Plato. Here’s the quote – “Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

It is so easy to get consumed with our issues and problems as we go through our days. However, everyone we meet, do business with, talk to, and interact with daily, is also dealing with stuff. No one gets through this life unscathed, untouched, or unaffected. We all have hard things, painful things, and challenging things in our lives.

That’s where sympathy comes into play. The Bible encourages us to be sympathetic, loving, tender-hearted, and humble. We are to bless others with kindness and goodness – no matter how they act toward us. But how do we do this?

One of the best ways to show sympathy and kindness toward others is to remember I want others to show sympathy and kindness toward me. So, I give others what I need. I treat them like I want to be treated. Does it always work? No, but doing this gives me a clean conscience and the ability to sleep well at night.

Prayer– Lord, would You make me a blessing to those around me today? As I seek to share Your love and kindness, would You assist me? Sometimes this is so hard, but I want to live like You want me to live. I ask You to make me more and more like Jesus.

Reflect – Have you thought about the idea that everyone is fighting a battle? Does this give you more sympathy in dealing with others? How is God leading you as you think about these truths and verses?