What We Can Do

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
Proverbs 14:10 NLT

In Romans 12:15, Paul instructs us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. We cannot know another's heart. We think we can. We think we know, but the best that we can do is have empathy for whatever the circumstance.

What we can do is pray for discernment. We can pray for compassion. We can pray to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world. Above all, we must pray for Christ's love to flow through us to those around us.

Physically, when someone has a wound that won't heal, it becomes more easily infected. In the matter of a wounded heart, left untended, it becomes bitterness. God clearly commands us in Romans 12:15 to Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many [emphasis mine]. Let's do what we can do.

Prayer:

Father,
          We pray for Your wisdom and discernment to see those who need to be seen. We pray for and believe that You will supply Your strength as You have promised in Your Word. Let our words of encouragement be according to Proverbs 25:11, The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver. Help us to be ever mindful of You and to pray always. In Jesus' Name. Amen