It takes compassion
To have honest empathy;
Takes a loving heart.
In a World of Need
by Terry Waite
“O Lord:
In a world where many are lonely,
we thank You for our friendships.
In a world where many are captive,
we thank You for our freedom.
In a world where many are hungry,
we thank you for our provision.
We pray that You will:
enlarge our sympathy,
deepen our compassion,
and give us grateful hearts.
In Christ’s name,
Amen”
Notice that in the first quote, Roger Ebert wrote EMPATHY is the most essential quality. In Terry Waite’s lovely poem, he asks God to “enlarge our SYMPATHY.”
What the difference between EMPATHY and SYMPATHY?
Oh, you poor, poor thing!
I am so sorry for you.
You hurt. What a shame!
or
I walk in your shoes,
Genuinely share your pain.
I understand you.
Lord, enlarge our empathy.
Help us know how to reach out with compassion.
Teach us to love, seek to understand, and share.
With God’s grace … teach us!
And help us remember
LOVE IS WHAT WE DO!
Reach out in empathy and compassion today!
And don’t forget as you reach out
to do so with a GRATEFUL heart!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
See ya tomorrow.
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