“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice” — Proverbs 24:17 NIV

Whenever my grandmother heard of someone’s misfortune, she would say, “Except for the grace of God there go I.” Perhaps she was reminding herself not to worry about the same thing befalling her or maybe she was taking advantage of that misfortune to teach her grandchildren to be grateful for unhindered lives. I can’t really remember her motive, but I clearly remember the lesson.

All humanity is subject to encounters with troubles, problems, and tragedy. Sometimes we see people step into dreadful circumstances by way of their bad decisions, but the truth is we are all subject to difficult situations. Our health may get ravaged by disease, family relationships can sour, or we may find ourselves suddenly unemployed and fearful about paying the bills. This is why it is not wise to rejoice over another’s troubles, even if they have wronged us in some way, because their troubles could easily become ours.

This week, let’s be sensitive to those who are in undesirable circumstances by showing them compassion, knowing that except for the grace of God there go I.