JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on First Peter 3:8.

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

These are all qualities that build unity in the church and strengthen a community.

Sympathy is one of those qualities that expresses sorrow in the presence of someone else’s tears and pain. Romans 12:15 instructs us to “mourn with those who mourn.” With a sympathetic heart, we have the ability to enter into someone else’s world of grief and offer the gift of friendship and comfort in the midst of it all. We tell the grieving person that they are not alone in their sadness.

Jesus has not left us alone. He is the ultimate example of someone who understands. He has endured the pain of the cross. One of the ways He enables us to become sympathetic is by taking us through times of distress. Then, when others go through similar experiences, we are sensitive to their needs.

Walking with a sympathetic heart is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com