WHEN COMPASSION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN CORRECTION

Rev. Dr. Roberta M. Heck, Chaplain

There are moments when someone is hurting deeply, and what they need most isn’t advice, it’s compassion. In times of grief, failure, or shame, our instinct might be to offer correction or explanation. But often, the right response is simply presence, empathy, and love.

Jesus modeled this beautifully. When Mary and Martha wept over the death of their brother Lazarus, Jesus didn’t begin with a theological explanation of death and resurrection, even though, He was about to raise Lazarus. First, He wept (John 11:35). He entered their pain before offering a solution.

Likewise, in Luke 15, when the prodigal son returned home, the father didn’t give him a lecture about his mistakes.

Instead, he ran to him, embraced him, and celebrated his return. The hug came before the healing words. Love opened the door to restoration.

In our relationships, especially with those who are broken or ashamed, may we learn to embrace first and explain later, if at all. Sometimes hugs are the healing.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Dear Lord, thank You for meeting us with grace when we deserve judgment. Teach me to love like You do—to see the hurting through Your eyes and respond with compassion, not criticism. Help me to offer presence instead of pressure, hugs instead of lectures. May my heart reflect Yours in every interaction.

In Jesus’ name, Amen and To God Be The Glory!

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