Love Heals Both the Giver and the Receiver

The night grew later, and my younger sibling still had not come home. I was upset and worried because I had already reminded my sibling to get enough rest before facing tomorrow’s exam. Until eleven o’clock at night, the phone still went unanswered.

Not long after, my sibling came home. The expression was deeply sad beyond words. “There’s still so much I haven’t finished studying, Sis,” came the dejected reply. “I’m angry and disappointed with myself, why can’t I manage my time well?”

Instead of feeling compassion and offering comfort, I was still upset and said, “Just rest. There’s no use studying anymore now.”

My sibling did not argue, only hurried to take a white blouse and a black skirt, then ironed them to wear for tomorrow’s exam. I went into my room with my thoughts in turmoil.

Ah, why was I unable to give support and love when my sibling needed it?

Empathy Is Born from a Heart Full of Love

When someone is sad and disappointed with themselves, what do they hope for? Is it advice, criticism, or comfort?

That night, when I saw my sibling come home with a tired face, deep down my heart was whispering, “Give your sibling a hug. They are tired and sad.” Yet another voice said irritably, “They made you worried and restless by coming home late.” Sadly, I followed the latter voice instead.

I was upset because my advice and warning had been ignored, but that was not actually what my sibling needed at that moment. Getting angry would not solve the problem or make either of us feel better.

A person who is grieving does not need to be made even sadder by my lack of empathy. Moreover, the Bible has already taught me to enter into and understand the feelings of others.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep!” – Romans 12:15

We can only empathize with others when we are not focused on ego and self. We can empathize when we prioritize love and acceptance over demands and expectations. A person who lives in Jesus, and in whom Jesus lives, will be able to love in difficult moments.

“Yet I live, but no longer I myself live, but Christ lives in me...” – Galatians 2:20a

If Christ lives in our hearts, His love is more than enough for us to do these things: overcome ego, see others with love, and treat well those who are in trouble. Without love in the heart, it is impossible for us to empathize.

Love: Heals Both the Giver and the Receiver

I wish I had made a different decision that night. Opening the door with a smile, hugging my sibling, listening to the complaint, and assuring them that everything would be all right. If only I had offered to help iron the clothes, my sibling would surely have felt greatly comforted and helped. I too would have gone to sleep with a peaceful heart, not with guilt.

“For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword; it pierces deeply until it separates soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts.” – Hebrews 4:12

Just as the word of God sets right the hearts of both its hearers and its sower, love can also heal the heart of the one who receives it and the one who gives it.

Love: Not Waited For, but Pursued

Thanks be to the Lord, I was still given the chance to correct my mistake. Reflecting on what happened that night, I resolved to improve my attitude the next morning. I set an alarm so I could wake up earlier.

Early in the morning, I prepared breakfast so my sibling could leave for the exam with a full stomach. I asked how they felt about the exam. I listened, encouraged, reassured, and invited them to pray together after breakfast. So we parted that morning with relieved hearts.

Love must be grown and nurtured, especially in difficult times. We do not wait for love to come, but strive for it to be present in our lives.

And above all these things: put on love, which is the bond that unites and perfects. – Colossians 3:14

“Putting on love” means making every effort to ensure that love is always present and attached to us. Like putting on clothes, we need to take it, put it on, fasten it, and keep wearing it so that our bodies are protected. Love will perfect the situations, conditions, and weaknesses in ourselves and in others.

What If It Is Hard to Love?

If we find it hard to love, remember how great the love of the Lord is for us. If we find it hard to forgive, remember how much the Lord has forgiven us. If it is hard to empathize, remember how greatly the Lord humbled Himself so that He could understand our weakness.

Let the same mind and feeling be in your life together that were also in Christ, who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be held on to, but emptied Himself and took the form of a servant, becoming like human beings. – Philippians 2:5-7 Only the person who feels, understands, and values the love of Christ can produce good works, full of love and glorifying the Lord. Amen. -

Church GKDI currently has churches in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

Related articles: Moses – Part 1: Confidence in Weakness

Inspirational video: