Even if we know a situation will turn out right, we must share in our spouse's pain. We must express compassion for the hurt he or she is enduring.

Jesus wept. John 11:35, NASB

The Gospel of John recounts a beautiful example of Christ's compassion. Jesus receives the heartbreaking news that His close friend Lazarus has become very sick. Jesus travels with the disciples to visit Lazarus, and upon their arrival, Jesus finds Lazarus's sisters, Mary and Martha, mourning the death of their brother. Scripture tells us that when Jesus saw Mary weep­ing, He was deeply moved and that when He trav­eled to see the tomb where Lazarus was laid, He wept openly (John 11:1-35).

It's important to note what Jesus did not do when He visited the two sisters. As the Son of God—the One who knew past, present, and future—Jesus certainly knew that Lazarus was going to live again. Christ approached Mary and Martha with the full knowledge that He was going to restore their brother's life and set everything as it was.

Even though He possessed this knowledge, Jesus didn't give the sisters a pep talk, an explana­tion, or a sermon on faith. Instead, upon seeing the sadness of their hearts, He wept. The Savior was so moved with compassion for His friends that He shed tears.

That's the kind of comfort we need in marriage. Even if we know a situation will turn out right, we must share in our spouses' pain if they are sad or disappointed. Even if we're sure that God will work on our behalf, if our spouse is hurting, we must express compassion for the hurt he or she is enduring.

If your spouse were in a deeply painful, disappointing situation at this very moment, in what ways would you offer comfort to him
or her? What would you not do to offer comfort?

God, remind me of how deeply moved You are when you see me hurting. Then, as I receive Your care and comfort, let me share that with my spouse when he or she needs it.