"What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?' As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel!" (Ezekiel 18:2-3).
There, there Husker, it is going to be alright. I know it is Friday the 13th and having that bowl of crabby flakes for breakfast didn't help a lot either. I know you have a problem with making human relationships too complex and difficult. Still, even though it is helpful to show those who are hurting that you care, it does make a difference how you show them. By sympathizing with them one tends to freeze the problem in place. It is a form of enabling--agreeing that one is entitled to feel and act the way they do because, "If you had been through what I have been through you would feel and act the way I do." Sympathy makes victims, and God will have none of that, but compassion results in making responsible people, ". . .we are more that conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).
Thankyou, HR for your comment because you expressed the thoughts of many. A compassionate person will take the time to try to understand another's feelings from their perspective. Armed with this understanding the compassionate one will act in ways that are more likely to bring about an aleviation or solution to the problem. God has not acted toward us in sympathy, but He has acted in compassion for us, giving us what is needed to meet our deepest need.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
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