“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”  (The Message Bible)

Colossians 3:12-1

  It was early in the morning and I was driving on the 520 bridge when all of a sudden I began to weep almost uncontrollably and then God reminded me that he was having me to weep for all the lonely hurting people who are grieving a loss, whether that be by death or divorce or just any kind of loss or separation.  Our grief always seems so much harder during the holidays.  Then I was reminded that I needed to raise my awareness antenna, being more sensitive and more aware of the people around me and putting on an extra measure of kindness, compassion and forgiveness toward those I know that are experiencing grief.

Perhaps you have been carrying around some emotional grief.  You may have gone through a broken relationship and you have been carrying some unforgiveness around and you know that you need to deal with it and be quick to forgive.  Take some time to make a phone call, or write a note – it will make a difference.  Your prayer might be:  Lord help me to look beyond myself and to be more sensitive and more aware of the lonely hurting people around me and then help me to take action, to step up and be an encourager.