Kindness for the Suffering - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2025

Bible in a Year : Lamentations 1-2, Hebrews 10:1-18

You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune.
Obadiah 1:12

Today's Scripture & Insight : Obadiah 1:4-9, 12-13

One of the deadliest wildfires in US history decimated the town of Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023, killing ninety-nine people and destroying more than two thousand buildings. Still reeling from the devastation, residents experienced additional trauma when some looters pillaged buildings and greedy realtors attempted to gobble up land.

The corrupt desire to take advantage of tragic circumstances is the backdrop of a strong message from God to the nation of Edom. The prophet Obadiah warned the Edomites, Israel’s enemies for generations (Ezekiel 35:5), of God’s coming justice because the Edomites used their geographic advantage (Obadiah 1:3) and acquired wealth (v. 6), alliances with other nations (v. 7), wisdom (v. 8), and military strength (v. 9) to exploit the weak. Obadiah also rebuked the way Edom gloated as Israel was sent into captivity. Instead of compassion, Edom looted Israelite homes and marched through defeated cities in victory (vv. 12-13).

Although Lahaina residents saw despicable actions, they also experienced kindness when churches on the island became hospitality centers offering shelter, hot meals, and emergency supplies.

When someone is suffering, we face a similar choice. We can try to benefit from their loss. Or we can respond in the way God desires, like the churches in Lahaina, with kindness and generosity.

By: Lisa M. Samra

Reflect & Pray
When have you been tempted to take advantage of someone’s suffering? How does God’s love compel us to kindness?

Dear God, please help me extend kindness when someone is hurting.