A letter had arrived in the day’s mail. The family had gathered to listen. I watched my aunt struggle to read the German handwriting, stretching her limited proficiency in the language. I was still a child sitting quietly on the sidelines. Although I don’t remember details of that family gathering, I can still hear my aunt repeating, “But they have nothing!”

The time was shortly after World War II. The writers were apparently family who had stayed in Germany, when others immigrated to America. Now they were impoverished and suffering in East Germany. I listened while family members debated what to do. Would their loyalty be questioned, if these German Americans sent help into Communist East Germany? To put it simply, I don’t believe there was general agreement. And still I heard my aunt repeat, “But they have nothing!”

I think this may have been my first experience with compassion. To help out would not be convenient, it would be expensive. It was a step out of their comfort zone, but compassion necessitated a response.

Is this what the Apostle Peter speaks of, “Finally all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8

I pray that I will open my eyes to see need and to willingly respond with compassion. Only then can we share with others the unconditional love that our heavenly Father extends to us.

Judy