Sharing One Another’s Burdens

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

“What’s wrong?” Ava asked as soon as she heard crying coming from one of the stalls in the bathroom. As Sophia emerged from the stall, Ava put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. “Are you okay?” she asked.

“No,” her classmate said shakily. “My dog just died this week.”

Ava hugged Sophia and told her she could understand how sad she was, because her family dog had died as well. The girls shared about their pets as a way to comfort and support one another. After a few more minutes, the two clasped hands, left the restroom, and walked back to their class.

It can take just a few minutes to see another’s hurt and show them compassion. We all have the ability to look around us at school, church, or other activities for someone who may be hurting and offer them a listening ear and tenderness. Scripture says we shouldn’t only look out for our own interests, only be concerned with ourselves and our lives, but that we should care about others as well. Ava wasn’t close friends with Sophia, but that didn’t mean she would dismiss her pain. Ava understood what it was like to be in her shoes and, because of it, she could offer comfort.

Even if someone has experienced something we haven’t, we can still imagine what that would be like and offer compassion. The world is full of people who turn away from others in their pain. As followers of Jesus, we can be the ones to show his love to people who are hurting.

Things to Think About

• When others around you are hurting, do you notice?
• How have you offered comfort to someone else?
• Who has been a friend to you when you were going through a hard time?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Offer comfort to a friend who is going through a hard time.