Deborah McFadden, through her own experience with paralysis from Guillain-Barre syndrome, developed a deep compassion for the disabled. Her personal struggles and the prejudice she faced left a lasting impact, shaping her ability to empathize with others in similar situations. This empathy led her to adopt Tatyana, a child afflicted with spina bifida, and to support her journey to becoming a world-class athlete. In a parallel manner, Jesus Christ, during His human lifetime, learned to empathize with the limitations and weaknesses of humanity, offering a profound connection to those who suffer.

In a world marked by self-centeredness and a lack of compassion, we are called to pursue peace and edify one another, reflecting the very mind of God. Compassion is fundamental to our service to Him, requiring an awareness of others' suffering, empathy for their pain, and a willingness to act to alleviate it. Compassion is not merely sympathy or pity, which can remain passive feelings; it demands involvement and action, a deep urge to help, stemming from the core of our being. The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates this principle, showing a man moved to help an injured enemy when others passed by, highlighting that true compassion is a way of life. We are to carry water for Jesus Christ, serving as His servants with love and compassion at our core. As He demonstrated through His life— healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and raising the dead out of compassion—we must be willing to help others in whatever capacity we have. God is working to develop His character in us, preparing us for responsibilities in the Kingdom under Jesus Christ. In a future world of chaos and tribulation, where love grows cold, we must be ready to show compassion, mercy, and kindness, imitating Jesus Christ and serving those in desperate need. This is our calling, to be a royal priesthood, ministering with tenderheartedness and love as we prepare for the age to come.

Empathy, the ability to suffer with another, emerges from shared trials and suffering, enabling us to offer comfort and encouragement to those in similar circumstances. Through agonizing experiences, we learn sympathy and compassion, qualifying us to support others as we have been supported. The more we endure shared trials, temptations, and pain, the greater our capacity to express kindness, as we can sincerely feel the pain of others. As one who has suffered loss can better understand the pain of others in loss, or one who has faced failure can relate to another's disappointment, empathy deepens through shared human experiences. Words of comfort from a fellow-sufferer carry profound meaning, providing encouragement and preventing bitterness or despair. Our painful memories, when viewed as resources, can soften our hearts, inspiring compassion and kindness toward others. Recognizing our common, fragile human condition fosters a desire to ameliorate suffering, reinforcing the vital importance of empathy in all relationships.