“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

When I was a little girl, I was a bit of a tomboy. It wasn’t unusual for anyone to find me climbing a tree or playing football in the yard. Riding on the handlebars of a bike was something I did often with my friend. One day when we were riding, I decided I’d had enough and started to jump off. About that same time, my friend stopped the bike to look at something in the distance. Needless to say, I went flying and face planted in the dirt.  

Looking up I saw my friend bending down to check on me. He asked if I was okay. I was a bit stunned but said yes and he then went on his way. I hobbled home, injured and a bit embarrassed but also thinking about how my friend could have at least given me a ride home.

Of course, now I realize we were just kids, and he probably didn’t even think about it. But how many times do we do this as adults? People reveal things they are going through, and we leave them with a “God bless you. I’ll be praying for you” and then go about our business. While it’s important for others to know we’re praying for them, are there other things we can do to help? 

Webster’s defines compassion as “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” According to the definition, compassion is more of an action word, not just a supportive feeling for someone. 

Is it possible having true compassion for someone will change their life? It did for the ones Jesus encountered during His ministry. While we may not be able to heal a blind man or raise someone from the dead, we can walk alongside a person in need and possibly change the outcome of their situation.  

Be the person that makes a difference in 2023.  It’s a great way to start a new year!