"Then the Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city."
Acts 14:19-20
In this sparse narrative, it is difficult to feel how much pain Paul endured when he was stoned. It is like the T.V. Western where the guys get into a bar room brawl. They get hit again and again, but no one ever gets hurt and they don't even get out of breath. They just go on like nothing happened. I suppose it is possible that Paul was healed as the brothers gathered around him, but the narrative does not say that. I can imagine Paul in great pain, his body bruised and blood coming from his mouth, barely able to walk, and leaning on his friends for support. It's not like he was leaping and dancing. Around the world there are Christians who are being tortured and are in great pain. As I sit in cozy America, it is difficult to empathize with them. I need the Holy Spirit to sensitize me to other people's pain so I will "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15).
Today's Thought: We are called to bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Have an "empathetic" day (not pathetic). Love you.
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