Compassion—Not Answers

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16 

Dear struggling friend,

My heart aches for you. I understand a measure of your pain. My pain may be different than yours and caused by different things, but I’ve been hopeless and paralyzed by fear. I’ve been in the depths of grief, depression and despair. Dark thoughts have consumed me, I couldn’t function, and I believed nothing would change. People’s words bounced off me, written words, even the Word, meant nothing. I looked at others and asked myself, “how can they go about their lives like everything is okay?” More than once—and yes—even as a follower of Jesus.

I’ve been stripped of all illusion of control over my circumstances. The only thing I new for sure, was I retained a crumb of biblical faith. With this speck of faith, I chose to wage war over the torment in my mind. It’s been a long, hard journey of healing that I intentionally walk every day—many times through setbacks and failure. 

God fights for you as he has for me. You and I are loved, accepted, and being renewed daily. Whatever battle you’re facing today does not determine your value or your life path. 

I am living proof of our living hope, Jesus, and you can be, also. Friend, I love you in the Lord.

There is a time for instruction, advice, and discipline, but today may be the time for empathy—deep understanding and entering into others’ pain.

Jesus, our friend and brother, may we come alongside others, as you have done for us.

Karen Sims