"He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished" (Proverbs 17:5, NKJV).

How often have we seen this scenario played out in the media, on YouTube, or from various political parties after national tragedies, elections, or disasters of various kinds?

It seems that a detached, heartless cynicism has become the standard approach to popularity or cleverness. While sometimes sarcasm can help us deal with stress, we have to drawn a line and remember to be tenderhearted toward those who suffer, just as Jesus Christ set the example for us.

There is a Spanish saying that sums up the advice from this verse: "Don’t count your money in front of the poor." Don’t look down on those less fortunate than you and don't be glad when disaster befalls someone else. We all suffer misfortune and value those kind enough to comfort us.

Have you ever fallen into the mindset of laughing at someone else's tragedy? How can you change that attitude and become more empathetic?