Compassion is transformative.
Whether in the simple act of listening or the profound experience of walking alongside someone in their pain, compassion can change lives. At The Gathering Place, we believe that compassion isn’t just an abstract feeling but a call to action — a movement that starts with God and flows through us to others.
This week, a small gesture reminded me of this truth. I received an email that couldn’t have come at a better time. It was a simple message of encouragement, but it felt like wind in my sails, lifting me during a moment when I needed it the most. The sender likely didn’t realize the profound impact their words would have, but it was a reminder that God often works through us in unexpected ways, sometimes in the form of small, compassionate acts.
Comfort isn’t a one-way street.
As Paul says, God comforts us so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we’ve received. Compassion, then, becomes a cycle — a continuous flow from God to us, and from us to others. It’s not just for our benefit; we are equipped with the tools to extend God’s love and care to those around us.
In a world filled with division and pain, the temptation to respond with anger or to win arguments is strong. But as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. Rather than contributing to the cycle of hatred, we bring goodness through acts of love and compassion. Think of Joseph in Genesis. After enduring terrible wrongs at the hands of his brothers, he chose to extend grace and comfort rather than hold onto bitterness. His actions reflected the heart of God — a heart that brings peace rather than perpetuates suffering.
Who in your life needs comfort today?
There are people in your life right now who are desperate for God’s presence, and that presence will often come through you. When we take the time to comfort others, we participate in God’s redemptive work, strengthening our faith and connecting with God’s mission to extend His love to the world.
We are busy — I get it. But when we choose to make space for compassion, even in small ways, we align ourselves with God’s purpose. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” At The Gathering Place, we aren’t here to tell you how bad you are or to burden you with guilt. We walk alongside people, sharing life with them, serving, listening, and being present in their moments of need.
We aren’t trying to “fix” anyone, because people are not projects. They are loved, valued, and meant to be cared for. And as we do this — as we come alongside others in their struggles — we not only bring peace to them, but we find our way home as well. True compassion transforms everyone involved.
The Story of Fred and Donald
Fred, a busy physician, always found time to serve at church, whether at the welcome table or out in the parking lot. Donald, a man struggling with homelessness and mental illness, was often seen as disruptive or unpredictable. But Fred took the time to listen to Donald’s stories, to sit with him, and eventually to care for him in his time of need. He accompanied Donald to the hospital and helped him find housing and care. Fred’s simple acts of compassion saved Donald’s life and changed mine as well.
It’s time to be a compassionate listener.
People are tired of being preached at. What they need is someone who will truly hear them, not with the intent to respond but with the intent to understand. Encouraging words, a listening ear, a simple note of appreciation — these small gestures can bring healing and remind people of God’s presence in their lives.
As we follow Jesus’ example of compassion, we must ask ourselves, “Who can I comfort today?” Perhaps it’s a friend in crisis, a co-worker going through a hard time, or even a stranger who needs a smile. When we step into these moments, we become active participants in God’s work, extending His peace to a hurting world.
And remember, when you have peace within yourself — the peace that only Jesus can provide — you can share that peace with others. So today, let’s all ask for Jesus’ peace, for ourselves and for those we encounter. Because when we carry His peace, we become the hands and feet of God in this world, bringing comfort, hope, and love to those who need it most.
Join The Gathering Place on Sundays
We gather every Sunday, 10 AM, at Temple Beth David located at 4657 Hood Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418.
Join us for an uplifting message, a chance to connect with a diverse community, and find encouragement. Childcare is provided.
