Charles Swindoll once told me, “Preach to hurting people, and you will never lack an audience.” I recently heard the same advice from Rick Warren as I listened to a podcast while running one morning on the streets of Mae Sot, Thailand. Warren explained how God often uses pain—sometimes self-inflicted—to soften our hearts and remind all those listening to preach to people who are in pain. Here’s how the apostle Peter said it.

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

How does the church deal with hurting people? People who have fallen, wandered, and living in sin. People with questions, concerns, and complaints. People amid grief. People between jobs. People with illnesses. Husbands and wives amid separation and divorce. Parents with a child who has taken off. Most everyone has something going on in their lives. So how does the church respond? How must the church respond?

The church responds with 1 Peter 3:8. We are to “have unity of mind.” We should demonstrate an understanding and affinity toward others. But for the grace of God, we would be in a similar situation. We should show love and compassion. And, by all means, we show humility.

Unity of mind. Sympathy. Love. Tenderness. Humility. Those are the characteristics of a follower of Jesus.

Father, help us demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus to those in our lives and those in our churches. Give us hearts of humility and sympathy. Remind us often of your grace and help us extend it to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.