There is a song we have been singing at the Family Table Service that has this line: “Show me how to love like You have loved me... Break my heart for what breaks yours.”

What a great prayer. Break my heart for the things that break yours, God. Give me more empathy, more compassion, a greater understanding of people and their needs. Give me love for others – even my 'enemies.'

A prayer that I have grown fond of saying is: “Lord, let me see people through your eyes today.”

We have no idea what someone else might be going through. We don’t know who needs to be loved (though, who doesn’t need to be loved, right?). We all could use some good news no matter what is going on in our lives. Maybe someone just needs a smile. If God could give me a glimpse inside someone’s difficult life, I might treat them more as Jesus did – or as he expects me to as one of his followers.

It’s healthy for us to think of others first. We are called to serve instead of being served. I do understand the need for self-care, but helping others – looking out not just to our own interests - but to the interest of others (Philippians 2: 3-4), usually ends up making us feel better ourselves. It’s how God created us to live and survive.

Remember: a broken heart is a heart that God can use.

God bless you!

Gary