A CIRCLE OF COMPASSION

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

365 DEVOTIONS FROM OUR DAILY BREAD

A CIRCLE OF COMPASSION

READ:  2 Corinthians 1:1-4; Philippians 2:1-4

Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with

those who weep.  Romans 12:15

Following the death of our seventeen-year-old daughter in a car accident in June 2002, each member of our family handled the loss differently.  For my wife among the most helpful sources of comfort were visits from moms who had also lost a child in an accident.

Sue found strength in their stories, and she wanted them to tell her how God had been faithful in their lives, despite the deep sorrow that comes with losing a precious child.

Soon Sue became part of a circle of compassion, a small group of moms who could weep, pray, and seek God’s help together.  That cadre of grieving moms formed a bond of empathy and hope that provided encouragement in the face of her daily sorrow.

Each person grieves uniquely, yet we all need to share our hearts, our burdens, our questions, and our sadness with someone else.  That’s why it’s vital that we find others with whom to discuss our pain and sorrow.

In our relationship with Christ, we find encouragement, consolation, love, fellowship, affection, and mercy (Philippians 2:1). God comforts us so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4).  So let’s “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).  Then others will find a circle of compassion too.   DB

A heartfelt tear can show our love

As words can never do;

It says, “I want to share your pain-

My heart goes out to you.” -DJD

We must learn to weep before we can dry another’s tears.