You give them the encouragement of God’s sovereign purpose and providence, working out everything to His good will and for their good.  You give them the encouragement of the undying, undiminished love of Christ.  You give them the encouragement of the final glorious resurrection, the encouragement of the privilege of sharing in Christ’s sufferings and the encouragement of living by faith and seeing God demonstrate His power when you risk everything to do what you know His Word has commanded you to do.  You come alongside and compassionately and kindly and tenderheartedly you nurture those people to strength.

John MacArthur, Fundamental Christian Attitudes: Compassion