In recent years I have had several difficult losses. Loved ones who died suddenly, a childhood home torn down, relationships damaged and broken, even my own body betraying me. Then there is the damage to so many American traditions, institutions, and treasures, and a government that doesn’t pretend to care about its own people.

With so much upheaval and grief, the temptation is to stop caring altogether. Wouldn’t it feel good just to turn inward and stop paying attention to other people, to take care of myself and stop at that?

But I recognize the devil’s voice in that. He is always dangling the easy answer before me. He tells me to ignore the problems of other people. Save my money for when I need it. Make sure I have food, shelter, and access to medical care. Ensure my own safety and stability. If I just close my eyes and watch happy TV shows, all the bad things will magically disappear.

This is not how Jesus behaved. And it’s not how I should behave as His follower either. Jesus put other people first to the point of death on the cross. He worked tirelessly for the sick, the outcasts, the widows, the foreigners, the “sinners.” He never stuck His head in the sand or sat back and watched the leaders abuse people.

Jesus saw a lot of sad things. Hurting people, hungry people, lost people. He heard their cries and felt their pain. He wept with them, mourned with them, and then waded in to help.

“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬, ‭NLT‬‬)

As a follower of Jesus, I have to accept that there are and will be sad things. I can’t turn away or run away from them. It’s OK to mourn when things are bad for me and for other people. It’s part of caring, of loving. It hurts, but the good news is that Jesus promised my mourning won’t be for naught, and it won’t last forever. When I care enough to mourn, He promises blessings and comfort. Now and forever.

Dear God, thank you for caring about me. Give me the strength and courage to care about other people even when it hurts. Provide wisdom so my caring turns into effective and helpful action. I trust you to fulfill your promise of blessings and comfort when I allow myself to be vulnerable in love.