January 15, 2026

Is there a difference between sympathy and empathy? As a Christian, I long to do the right thing. When I see a homeless person on the street, I feel sympathy. They have come upon hard times. When I see a drug addict tweaking and threatening others with a machete, I feel anger. Government programs are utter failures. There is no sympathy from government for local businesses or the many victims of street violence. Most of us cannot comprehend using street corners as bathrooms, or living compromised lives in a tent or on a park bench.

And yet, God’s command is that we love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Further, it says,

“for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ’Matthew 25:35-37 NKJV

It can be difficult helping someone who is angry and blames everyone other than themselves for their circumstances. The Christian walk can be uncertain. We are asked to love the unlovable, to feed the unfillable soul, and to mentor minds that have obliterated millions of brain cells. Only God can see the answers overwhelmed politicians have given up hope trying to find.

Lord God, there are so many issues today that challenge our walk with you. Jesus said, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ [l]This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31. Help us to see everyone as You see them, Lord. If You believe there is hope for repentance and redemption, let us never walk away when You have sent us to redeem. Soften my heart, Lord God. What I see as rebellious choice, You might see as the obvious result of a tortured life. I choose to walk in the steps of Jesus. Make me worthy of my call.

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7