1 Peter 3
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 3:1
The simple instructions from this verse are sometimes very hard to practice. Many times I find myself way to quick in judging people and seriously lacking in compassion. Usually when I am in this condition it is because I don't know the full story. Quick judgments are faster and easier than sympathetic listening.
Writer Kathy Henderson tells a story that makes this point. It is the story of how she and a group of mothers were hanging out at a Y Day Camp one summer day. The whole pool was focused on a girl that was screaming at the deep end of the pool. She was a head taller than everyone in the camp but she was sobbing like a baby.
First, one instructor tried to coax her into the water, then a second and finally a third. All of the attempts failed.
During this whole process the mothers were remarking to each other.
This is terrible. You can't coddle them.
This is ridiculous why they pamper her.
Yeh, her fears only get worse the longer they delay.
All three of these mothers were experts since their children learned to swim 3 weeks earlier.
Finally all three instructors bodily dragged the girl to the water and gently lowered her into the arms of her teacher. The screams subsided to gasps.
Well, it's about time.
They should have done that 15 minutes ago.
Just at that time a young day camp instructor approached Kathy. Her eyes never left the pool area. She spoke softly and nodded toward the drama in the water.
"She went boating with her parents and brother last summer. Only her father could swim. They took no life jackets. The boat capsized ‑ she watched her mother and brother drown. Her father managed to save only her. She's in our day camp program here at the Y and her father insists she learn to swim."
Kathy said, "Her words stung. I looked at the drenched child as she climbed out of the pool, her weak smile wavering through chlorine and tears. I had not witnessed typical childish fear ‑ I'd just witnessed a terrifying mountain crossed. Hot tears blurred my eyes. Forgive me, child. Forgive me, Lord.
Sometimes we are way to quick in judging people and slack in compassion. Lord, help us to be sympathetic, loving and compassionate.
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