Weddings may be tricky to play for, but funerals are difficult all around. We think of music as being fun and enjoyable, but those emotions run counter to the prevalent feelings during a funeral. Of course, for a Christian who lived a long and productive life, funerals may be joyful, celebrating a life well lived and anticipating the fulfillment of entering heaven for eternity. But usually, sadness fills the hearts of those at funerals, even to the point of overwhelming those closest to the deceased.
A musician doesn’t want to make things worse by messing up. Playing the wrong notes can be especially jarring during a funeral, drawing attention to the musician, or even making the attendees feel like nothing can go right anymore. Picking overly sad and dramatic pieces might fit the emotions, but again, turns the focus toward the music. A musician usually tries to be unnoticed during a funeral, not disturbing those in mourning, but offering a subtle comfort. Music is included to draw the attendees together in honoring the deceased – not to be a showplace for the musician.
Music lets us express emotion without words. Similarly, compassion is sometimes just being with someone without saying anything. This attribute is obviously connected to listening and to patience, but adds another layer on top. To have compassion is to focus intently on the other person. Compassion is feeling with others what they are feeling, sharing their burden, and thereby lifting it, just a bit. What a gift for those in need!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4