In Christ There is No East or West

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NIV 

How many times have you heard the phrase, “I just can’t imagine...”? We might use those words when we hear a story of life experience so foreign to us that we have a hard time putting ourselves in their shoes. On the flip side, there are things we will go through in our lives that others can’t fully understand because they haven’t walked the same road. Our life paths are as unique as our fingerprints; this is why the reality of compassion is vital to living in God’s kingdom. In order to love one another well, we must know how to care for one another well. But in order to do that, we need to understand each other’s struggles as deeply as we can.  

The word “compassion” comes from two Latin words: pati (to suffer) and com (with). To have true compassion for our neighbor is not about feeling sorry for them or wishing that things could be different in their life, but to show up and walk through uncertain or difficult times together. To “suffer with” them, in a sense. To actually be present, listening and doing our best to understand what they truly need. We can help lift a burden, check in with daily encouragement, or ask for specific ways we might support them with prayer or our presence. We can live the beautiful truth of Jesus’s message: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV). 

The hymn “In Christ There Is No East or West” speaks of that soul-deep unity we experience as we serve each other in His Name: 

In Him shall true hearts ev’rywhere  
Their high communion find;  
His service is the golden cord  
Close binding all mankind. 

Helping to carry someone through life’s trials or transitions can bless us deeply and remind us of the vital part we play in bringing God’s kingdom to earth. And when it’s our turn to walk through a rough place on the journey, let’s remember to be open to the loving care that our brothers and sisters offer us too. Remember how it can bless them to be on the giving end and how it can help them learn to love others well. Most importantly, they may be reaching out to us in response to the Holy Spirit’s nudge—so who are we to argue? Life will ebb and flow as long as we are in this world, doing our best to live in community and follow Jesus. Sometimes we’ll be the ones with the opportunity to show compassion, and other times that compassion will be an outpouring of our Father’s love for us via those we share our lives with. Think of it! No matter what we go through, we are never alone. Not only can we count on the presence of our loving God, but we can trust Him to send caring hearts our way to love us through anything. 

Heavenly Father, what an incredible privilege it is to be part of Your kingdom on earth. I want to keep alert for others who need support on the journey.  Help me to deeply understand those You call me to serve and also show up for them in ways that truly make a difference. When I am the one in need, may I be open to the blessing of their care. Amen. 

This is an excerpt from Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine: Old-Time Devotions for Fresh Starts – a devotional available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.