Keep Tender Hearts

Today’s Reflection

While looking at yet another money-raising initiative to help a war-afflicted family on Facebook, I thought that, maybe, instead of trying to guard our hearts from any outward-looking strong emotion, we must make sure that our guarded hearts never grow insensitive to the suffering of God’s people around us.

—Nadiyka Gerbish, Light from Afar: An Advent Devotional from Around the World (Upper Room Books, 2023)

Today’s Question

Sometimes we try to guard our hearts against “negative” feelings. What would happen if we spent more time guarding our hearts against them becoming hardened toward suffering? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

—James 5:8 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God, you are the light within us. Shine brightly so that the darkness is overcome and peace and justice will reign on earth as they do in heaven. Amen.