An alternate title would be “Cultivate Compassion For All People.” Compassion if a major quality of God’s character, unlike the character of any pagan god (see Psalm 145). The title quotes Romans 12:15. A parallel scripture is 1 Corinthians 12:25-26. Compassion includes sympathy, empathy and support (weeping) for anyone who is grieving or suffering. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matthew 5:4). Compassion also includes sincere celebrating (rejoicing) with people when they have good news (Luke 15:3-10). True Christianity is uniquely the religion of compassion. In a world dominated by hardness of heart and even sadistic cruelty, we must cultivate compassion.

Don Hooser

United Church of God Pastor

Don Hooser is a minister and writer for the publications of United Church of God.  He and his wife Elsie live in McKinney TX, a suburb of Dallas. He was born in Dallas and grew up mostly in east Texas.  Elsie is from Detroit, Michigan.  They have three grown children, Amy, Randy, and Danny.  Mr. Hooser graduated in 1963 from Southern Methodist University with a degree in mechanical engineering, and graduated in 1966 from Ambassador College, Big Sandy.  Don and Elsie married two days after Don’s graduation.