In his introduction to The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis writes this on what he had learned about responding to pain:

” . . . when pain is to be borne, a little courage helps more than much knowledge, a little human sympathy more than much courage, and the least tincture of the love of God more than all.”

John reminds us in 1 John 4:19 that we love as a result of God loving us. In other words, we can be used as conduits to allow others to experience God’s love. We can offer something better than sympathy to someone who is hurting.

Perhaps this will provide motivation to listen a little more and care a little more than we otherwise might.