It can be difficult to stand in two places at once: being empathetic and being a pillar of strength. Church musicians are often called upon to do two things at once, such as playing background music during the sacred rite of the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a special time for me too, and if I want to make the music contemplative for others during this time, I have to contemplate the meaning myself.
But I can’t just sit there and stare into my cup of red juice, watching the lights reflect as I consider the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I have to focus on what I’m playing. Even during regular singing times, it can be difficult to truly consider the meaning of the music while also focusing on how I’m playing the notes. I don’t sing while I play (I never have gotten the hang of that), so it’s even harder to think about the significance of the words.
Practice helps, of course. The better I know a piece, the more I can think about the meaning while I play. The better my skills, the easier I can put myself into the piece wholeheartedly. Once I have reached the place where the music is an extension of myself, the execution almost subconscious, then I can do two things at once.
It's the same with being compassionate toward others. The deeper our relationship with God, the more His love is ingrained in our being, and the more natural it is to find the right harmony between sharing emotions and standing firm in our own hope. Whether we are called upon to share happiness or sorrow, the right balance will help us support the other person without putting the focus on ourselves.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:8-11