Title

Individual Hearts

Scripture
The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.
(Proverbs 14:10)
Devotional
Few if any of us can honestly say to another during a time of loss or tragidy, "I know how you feel." No we do not. The wonder of God's creation of mankind is that we are total individuals. No matter how alike people may appear, each has his or her distinctive view and reactions toward life's dealings. We are to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."[1] Nevertheless we will seldom truly be able to empathize with the heart of another. Therefore, let us give comfort to the hurting and let us do so without judging. We do not know the depth of their sorrow. You and I may be able to take their heartache more readily or with little or no bitterness. Nonetheless, let us show compassion, remembering all we can see is the external, and that "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."[2]

[1] Romans 12:15
[2] 1 Samuel 16:7