John 1 refers to Jesus as the light which is the life of men. It claims that in Christ there's a light that cannot be overcome by darkness. With this being gospel truth, it pains me to ask where the compassion has gone. If light is of Christ, why do we take pride in taking one another down?

Are we not the body of Christ? Is it not clear in 1 Corinthians that we are members of one body with every part as important as the next? Over the years, I've witnessed the main reason why Christians are given such a bad reputation. I've seen the cliques, heard the messages of damnation, and been viciously shamed by church elders. We've given the world no other depiction of Christ-like living than tearing one another down in the name of the Lord. This, my brothers and sisters, is absolutely sickening.

We are called to build one another up and show compassion in the hard times. It isn't enough to let someone confide in you about their hardships and respond with a sermon, Bible verse, or "I'll pray for you" response. Be able to give words of encouragement to build each other up in the Lord. The religious actions like praying or incorporating si criptures into the situation are only going to be received if you can show the needed care and compassion for them in their situations. As a believer, I can speak from experience saying that no amount of pushing religion on me has ever brought me to my knees at God's feet during my times of trouble. Sometimes, a voice just needs to be heard and encouraged to keep pursuing the Lord.

Likewise, don't listen to your hurting brothers and sisters in Christ and lecture them about how they shouldn't feel the pain that is pressing them. You don't know their situation and it isn't your place to inflict judgement and shame upon them. Show the love of God in how graciously you handle the situation and care relentlessly. Be someone who encourages, comforts, and loves on the people who confide in you so that they can trust your words when you gear them toward the Lord.

I'm not telling you to justify sins in a believer's life. It's crucial to hold one another accountable and address any sinful nature. What I'm trying to suggest is that we all make a point to make relationships of the intentional sort about more than just rules and regulations. Do life together. Care for one another. Be honest, but don't forget compassion.