Biblical Answer

The Biblical Response to Hurt

In a world of hurt, putting others first means being gracious and kind, especially towards those who are suffering. The biblical response is to hurt with them, as we see in Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." This means being present with others in their pain, and not just trying to rescue them or fix their problems. It means being willing to be affected by their hurt, and to connect with them on a deeper level. When we put others first, we are not trying to get something from them, but rather we are seeking to serve them and bring comfort to their lives.

The Importance of Empathy and Compassion

When we put others first, we are demonstrating empathy and compassion. We are seeking to understand their pain and to connect with them on a heart level. This is what Jesus did when he walked among us, and it is what he calls us to do as his followers. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to put their needs ahead of our own. This means being willing to be vulnerable and to take risks in order to serve others. It means being willing to be hurt, not just by others, but by the things that hurt them. When we put others first, we are not just serving them, we are serving Jesus, and we are demonstrating the love and compassion that he has shown to us.

The Call to Serve and Sacrifice

Putting others first in a world of hurt means being willing to serve and sacrifice. It means being willing to give up our own desires and needs in order to meet the needs of others. This is what Jesus did when he gave up his life on the cross for us. It is what he calls us to do as his followers. In 1 Corinthians 13:3, Paul writes, "If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." When we put others first, we are not just giving up our own desires, we are giving ourselves to the service of others, and we are demonstrating the love and compassion that Jesus has shown to us. This is the heart of what it means to put others first in a world of hurt.