Christians are sensitive people. This does not mean that they take everything personally and are easily hurt. Rather they care about people and are concerned about how what they say and do affects another person. They respect another person's feelings and needs. They are careful, or full of care, so as not to cause hurt or offense. When harm does occur, they are quick to make amends.

God showed sensitivity to Adam and Eve when they disobeyed and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They hid because of their nakedness, but responding with understanding and compassion, "the Lord God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21) In addition, God removes them from the Garden of Eden so that they do not have access to the tree of life and perpetuate their condition. Sensitivity is a precursor of grace.

The Psalmist describes the people who dwell in the Lord's tent as: "Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;" (Psalm 15:2&3) In other words, these are people who hold others in high regard and treat them with respect. They are sensitive to where people are and the effect that they have on them.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus shows compassion, which in Latin means "suffer with." The person who shows compassion identifies with the plight and circumstances of the other person and is able to "walk in his or her shoes." A familiar refrain in the Gospels is: "When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matt. 9:36) Compassion and sensitivity go hand in hand. This is the point of the parable of the Good Samaritan where Jesus defines what it means to be a neighbor. He contrasts the cold indifference of the priest and Levite, members of the religious establishment, with the warmth and compassion of an outsider. (Luke 10:29-37) Jesus makes it clear that neighborliness includes sensitivity to people in need.

In the early church, Paul in particular championed the principle of Christian liberty, especially freedom from the Jewish laws and rituals for the Gentiles. At the same time he cautioned: "But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." (1 Cor. 8:9) Liberty needs to be tempered with sensitivity. This is possible since, as the writer to the Hebrews reminds us, "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin." (Heb. 4:15) Just as Christ understands our situation, we in turn need to extend that same sensitivity to others.

We all run the risk of becoming insensitive and callous. This happens when we turn our backs on the poor and the hungry, become indifferent to the suffering in the world, or brand a group of people as inferior. This is also the case when we consider being right more important than treating people with compassion or refusing to admit mistakes and make apologies. Sensitivity grows out of the awareness that we "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:23) God's grace more than makes up for the difference and has the power to transform indifference into sensitivity.

The following are suggestions for practicing sensitivity:

1. Start with confession. Recognize your own weaknesses and your need for God's grace.
2. Pray for sensitivity. Ask that God's Spirit fill you with kindness and understanding.
3. Put yourself in another person's place. Try to appreciate where the other person is coming from.
4. Admit when you are wrong or have wronged. Be prepared to make amends and to apologize.
5. Advocate against racism and indifference. Stand up for treating people with dignity and respect.

Affirmation: Today I will be a means of grace!