empathy – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

Restrain Your Voice From Weeping

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.com/

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought of how we, the leaders, need to find ways to comfort the people when tragedy strikes. We have to be full of the holy spirit, rich with empathy and prayerfully reassuring to people at their darkest point. That is LOVE based leadership.

As leaders, it is vital that we recognize when people are hurting as did the Lord:

“Thus says the Lord, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation (songs of mourning) and bitter weeping.

Rachel (Israel) is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are gone.” [Matt 2:18]”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Though we experience constant change and the associated emotions of loss, we can still find rest in and reliance on Christ who has been touched by the feelings of our infirmities:

“That which has been is that which will be [again], And that which has been done is that which will be done again. So there is nothing new under the sun.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

““I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].” [Is 9:6]”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

We must guide ourselves and others to places of shelter during the storms:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”

For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions,
And under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.

You will not be afraid of the terror of night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But danger will not come near you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

In closing, let us be encouraged as we do “the work” of comforting Gods people in this season:

“Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion,

make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“May his name be praised, now and forever. From the east to the west praise the name of the Lord!”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭113‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Thus says the Lord, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation (songs of mourning) and bitter weeping.

Rachel (Israel) is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are gone.” [Matt 2:18]

Thus says the Lord, “Restrain your voice from weeping And your eyes from tears, For your work will be rewarded,” says the Lord; “

And your children will return from the enemy’s land.

“There is [confident] hope for your future,” says the Lord; “Your children will come back to their own country.

“I have surely heard Ephraim (Israel) moaning and grieving, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised,

Like a bull unaccustomed to the yoke or an untrained calf; Bring me back that I may be restored, For You are the Lord my God.

‘After I turned away [from You], I repented; After I was instructed, I struck my thigh [in remorse];

I was ashamed and even humiliated Because I carried the disgrace of my youth [as a nation].’

“Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a darling and beloved child? For as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him.

Therefore My affection is renewed and My heart longs for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” says the Lord.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.31.15-20.AMP

Go and Do Likewise

I was reading this scripture this morning and was reflecting on just how easy we, as leaders, can allow ourselves to get so busy that we loose, for a moment or permanently, the ability to be touched by the infirmities of others.

I suspect that each of us have had a moment where we were so focused on our needs, goals and objectives that we missed taking the time to “really see” the needs of someone else.

Our response may be because we perceive the risk of “their ask” may be more than we think we can accommodate or maybe, we just do not feel like being “other centered” in that moment.

As leaders, we are learning that being a follower of Christ is not always convenient and often reveals our hidden heart issues.

We then see in this example, how the Good Samaritan was “moved with pity and sympathy [for him]”.

We are also reminded that: “But by the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect). In fact, I worked harder than all of them [the apostles], though it was not really I, but the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 AMPC

It is easy to become overwhelmed, struggle to find balance, and to not live up to the standard set by the Word of God: “Contribute to the needs of God’s people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.” Romans 12:13 AMPC

We must strive daily to take on and have the mind of Christ: “For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa. 40:13.]” 1 Corinthians 2:16 AMPC

“All things are legitimate [permissible–and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor].” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 AMPC

We are encouraged and constantly being prepared to touch life at many touch points, being less structured so that we can “connect” with others. The Bible reminds us: “Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:1-2 AMP

We are God’s workmanship, His ambassadors and are the salt of the earth. We have been given dominion and authority over the whole earth. Because of Christ, we have a river of living water to be a blessing to mankind showing pity and mercy. In Jesus Name, Amen

Like the Good Samaritan, let us Go and do likewise!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jesus, taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened.

Now by coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road].

But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him], And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine.

Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii [two day’s wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return.

Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers? He answered, The one who showed pity and mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30-37 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.10.30-37.AMPC

They were Longing

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the burden that comes along with the change associated with losing someone who is precious.

This can be in both business and our personal lives: however, what is clear is that the person’s presence had an impact on us.

At moments like these, we can search the Word of God for solid ground to stand, reflect, recalibrate and muster the courage to press forward.

Leaders find solid ground by having faith in god and his consistency:

⁃ “Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly].” Mark 11:22 AMP

⁃ “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”John 14:1 AMP

⁃ “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”Genesis 8:22 AMP

⁃ “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].” John 1:1-5 AMP

A leader’s ability to reflect and recalibrate is based on the belief that God’s promises will still come to pass:

⁃ “For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished.” Matthew 5:18 AMP

In closing, it is my prayer that today, we can muster up the courage to press forward continuing the good work of the kingdom – remembering but never looking backwards.

“….. now therefore arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.” Joshua 1:2 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own.

And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return.

But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them.”

Hebrews 11:14-16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/heb.11.14-16.AMP

Yet Wisdom is Vindicated

I was reflecting on this scriptural truth in an effort to truly understand it and the related lessons: “Yet Wisdom is shown to be right by what its followers do.” V35 (CEV)

Throughout the Bible we are instructed to get godly wisdom and understanding and to hold on to them as they are more precious than rubies and pearls. By definition: “the reverential and worshipful fear of the Lord–that is Wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

The scripture states that “skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing. And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).”

When John the Baptist went about declaring the coming of Jesus, some chose to hear the Word, discern the truth in the Word, and acted on the Word to be baptized. Some did not.

As leaders, there are times when new concepts and ideas may surface that appear contrary to our training and our experiences; however, we need to exercise the discipline of discernment to search for and recognize the presence of a possible truth. Once identified, we must act on it by faith.

We must also understand that other leaders who may be more knowledgeable and experienced may not act – likely because they have not grown in wisdom to seek truth in the Word.

When it is all said and done, “ wisdom is vindicated (shown to be true and divine) by all her children [by their life, character, and deeds].”

Our actions make all the difference.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; but he that is inferior [to the other citizens] in the kingdom of God is greater [in incomparable privilege] than he.

And all the people who heard Him, even the tax collectors, acknowledged the justice of God [in calling them to repentance and in pronouncing future wrath on the impenitent], being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and the lawyers [of the Mosaic Law] annulled and rejected and brought to nothing God’s purpose concerning themselves, by [refusing and] not being baptized by him [John].

So to what shall I compare the men of this generation? And what are they like? They are like little children sitting in the marketplace, calling to one another and saying, We piped to you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we sang dirges and wailed [playing funeral], and you did not weep.

For John the Baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, He has a demon. The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, Behold, a Man Who is a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and notorious sinners.

Yet wisdom is vindicated (shown to be true and divine) by all her children [by their life, character, and deeds].”

Luke 7:28-35 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.7.28-35.AMPC

Devine Appointments

I was reflecting on this passage and just kept reading it over and over.

I believe that we, as leaders, are set up with devine appointments where people are placed into our lives so that we can prepare them for life’s journey.

Sometimes, by simply being a sounding board or sharing our experiences, we are able to open up others eyes so that they might see a path forward, receive encouragement and hope again as they experience pain and challenges.

It is my prayer that we are open to seeing and recognizing these devine appointments and are able to ease the pain of others.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all.”

Psalms 34:19 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.34.19.AMP

Tender moments

When I was reading this passage, my heart just became full as it truly demonstrates a glimpse of a tender moment in just how personal and personable Jesus was in that he even allowed one disciple close to him to lean on his chest just as a child.

There are many moments in life when the world did not make sense, there was a yearning to just be comforted and we needed something precious that could not be met or resolved by simple proximity or through words.

Maybe we were seeking understanding from someone in the natural that loved and cared deeply for us and we could just lean in and rest against their chest – and the world was good again.

These are tender moments that never expire.

As leaders, we have moments where we need answers to serious issues that our Circle of influence either cannot answer or from whom we have not sought counsel because of the sensitivity of the matter – maybe the need we have may impact a decision concerning them.

We don’t have to work through the issue alone. We always have the bosom of Jesus readily available. It is there for those who seek him and the fullness of his relationship.

This is not a place or a privilege reserved for those that seek an idle or casual relationship.

This access comes to those who have a reciprocal relationship developed over time- a relationship forged through the joys of being with him and likely through adversities.

Precious moments may be few or they may be oftern but they are impactful and meaningful exchanges.

It is my prayer that you will receive tender moments.

It is also my prayer that you will give tender moments when there just are no words.

Be blessed.

Be a blessing!

“But Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved, following–the one who also had leaned back on His breast at the supper and had said, Lord, who is it that is going to betray You?”

John 21:20 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jhn.21.20.AMPC