“Where the bruised and lonely dwell, we shall show the Savior’s pity.”

Hymn: “Lord, Thy Church on Earth Is Seeking” – Hugh Sherlock (1905-1998)
Common Tunes: ABBOT’S LEIGH, HOLY MANNA

Where do the bruised and lonely dwell? They are all around us. Perhaps they ARE us.

Many carry outward bruises – black-and-blue reminders of recent mistreatment or abuse. Others… probably many more… walk among us with an injured spirit, a pained heart, a gone-sour attitude. Though by all appearances these “have their act together,” in reality they are hurting so deeply they cannot express the depths of their despair.

Others are alone, even in a crowd. They have no one to turn to or rely upon. These often sit on crowded pews beside us on a weekly basis… or work at the neighboring desk or machine… or live just down the hall in our own homes. Some show this isolation in their eyes, while others mask their alone-ness well, decrying any need for a friend.

These and other hurting folks struggle alongside us wherever we find ourselves. When recognized by the prompting of the Spirit of Christ, it is up to us to show the pity of Christ in our dealings with them.

By definition, pity can mean a sadness because of another’s trouble or suffering; in other words, we have the capacity to “feel” for them. Mercy is a synonym for pity… especially when that mercy is put into action – when the mercy of Christ within us is expressed.

Whenever we come into contact with these bruised and lonely travelers – wherever we encounter the marginalized, downtrodden souls – let us take the time to express the Savior’s mercy to them… to pity them. We have a tendency to distance ourselves from “the least of these.” It is time we draw near to them, even as Christ has drawn near to us and we have drawn near to him.

Garrett Martin Plays Variations on the HOLY MANNA tune