Compassionate Love Blog: Displaying compassion for those who fight mental illness, addiction, and abuse  (c)2018  Nancy Virden, Always the Fight Ministries

A few days ago, my doctor’s instructions were to avoid food and water for twelve hours before a procedure. The food was no problem, but please – water!

If you and I go without emotional, spiritual, or relational sustenance, we will thirst.  People like us are thirsty for truth, hope, or a sense of worth.

Offering a cup of real water is one way to show a person he or she has value.  Kind acts carry a lot of influence. On a deeper level, taking the time to gain insight into a desperate person’s  experiences and thoughts will grant us an opportunity to speak life to their need.

Embrace someone who hurts. Show compassion to the confused. Speak gently to those lashing out in pain. This is like water in desert ground to them. I know because at one point I too was dying of emotional and relational thirst.  I am grateful for kindness.

Wise counsel pointed me to the real difference-maker, Jesus Christ. He does not use simple water or band-aids on the spiritually thirsty and wounded. No, he intended to die for our sins and resurrect to give eternal life to anyone who will believe. He had a serious mission. 

In your thirst, I recommend you allow God to begin the deep work of  change, hope, and joy in you by surrendering to Jesus.  Then your tank will eventually, like mine, be so full you will be able to pass on the living water to others who thirst.                                

Today’s Helpful Words

For [Jesus]  at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”       

Matthew 25: 37 

Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you … thirsty and give you drink?’  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers (and sisters), you did it to me.’

The For One of The Least of These series:

Feeding Those Who Hunger for Love      

Welcoming the Stranger      Covering the Emotionally Naked and Vulnerable

Visiting Those Who Are Sick         Visiting Those In the Prison of Addiction

                                                                                                                 

NOTE:  I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental and behavioral health challenges.  In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S.  (for international emergency numbers, go here ), or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not be alone. Hope and help are yours.

*Water pic by ROBBY_M of rgbstock.com