Words of Sympathy

There are many to whom life is a painful struggle; they feel their deficiencies and are miserable and unbelieving; they think they have nothing for which to be grateful. Kind words, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would be to many a struggling and lonely one as the cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. A word of sympathy, an act of kindness, would lift burdens that rest heavily upon weary shoulders. And every word or deed of unselfish kindness is an expression of the love of Christ for lost humanity. {MB 23.1}

What they do not need is words or looks of self-righteous condemnation heaped upon them.
What they do not need is, "Suck it up and deal with it already!"
I know that I do not need that kind of unsympathetic coldness when I am having a hard time. If I receive words of sympathy, pretty soon I am able to “right” my own self and see the world as a wonderful place again.
What I need most is someone to come along side and give me a word of encouragement as this quote suggests.
Papa Father,
Help me to see those that are discouraged through your eyes. Help me to be able to spot those who are valiantly trying to put a brave face on it but are dying inside. I need your sensitivity and discernment. Help me to treat those that I am in contact with like you would, and like I would like to be treated, if I were in their same place.

LET YOUR HEART BE BROKEN
Let your heart be broken for a world in need;
Feed the mouths that hunger, sooth the wounds that bleed,
Give the cup of water, and the loaf of bread-
Be the hands of Jesus, serving in his stead.

Here on earth applying, principles of love,
Visible expression, God still rules above
Living illustration of the living word
To the minds of all who've never seen or heard.

Blest to be a blessing, privileged to care,
Challenged by the need apparent everywhere,
Where mankind is wanting, fill the vacant place.
Be the means through which the Lord reveals His grace

Add to your believing deeds that prove it true,
Knowing Christ as Savior, make him Master too.
Follow in His footsteps, go where He has trod:
In the world’s great trouble, risk yourself for God.

Let your heart be tender, and your vision clear:
See mankind as God sees, serve Him far and near.
Let your heart be broken by a brother's pain:
Share your rich resources, give and give again.

By Bryan Jeffrey Leech