Sensitive Person Hurt More but They Love More: Laughter and Reflection in Our Sunday Class
Every Sunday, we look forward to going to church. It’s the happiest time of our week. Our Bible study class is always lively—everyone is open-minded, cheerful, and full of humor. Before class begins, we chat, laugh, and share stories. When our teacher, Brother Zhang, starts teaching, he often asks thought-provoking questions, encourages group discussions, and sometimes joins our jokes. His class keeps everyone engaged and focused. We all treasure this joyful time of learning together.
This week, it was our turn to bring snacks. We are the only two Chinese members in the class, while the others are all Americans. Usually, they bring store-bought cookies, cupcakes, or homemade desserts. We wanted to offer something different, so we went to an Asian market and carefully picked out several boxes of Cantonese-style dim sum—small, delicate treats like barbecue pork buns, glutinous rice balls, and egg tarts. We made sure to choose only high-quality, fresh products from reliable brands—nothing with preservatives or expired ingredients. We hoped everyone would enjoy these authentic Asian flavors.
On Sunday, we brought four boxes of dim sum to class. Everyone chatted and tasted the food, smiling as they complimented the flavor—“unique and delicious.” Our teacher, however, didn’t take any. He explained kindly that he preferred not to eat before class so that his teeth would stay clean and wouldn’t distract others while he was speaking.
But then something funny happened during the lesson. That day’s topic was about being pure both inside and out, based on the Gospel of Luke. To illustrate the message, the teacher gave an example: some people buy pastries that look beautiful on the outside, but if the baker doesn’t wash their hands while making them, the food is actually unclean inside. The moral was clear—people shouldn’t just care about outward appearance; inner purity and honesty are what truly matter.
Just then, one of the students playfully said, “Teacher, are you using that example because you’re worried the dim sum isn’t clean? Is that why you didn’t eat it?”
The room burst into laughter! The teacher blushed a little but smiled and replied, “No, no—it’s not that! I just didn’t want crumbs on my teeth—and besides, I’m on a diet!”
Only then did we learn that he had lost more than 200 pounds—from 400 to 200—and was still faithfully sticking to his diet. After class, he kindly took two small pieces of the dim sum and said, “They’re really delicious.” We were touched by his gesture, even though we knew he didn’t have to eat them. We also felt a bit sorry for the earlier joke. Humor is good, but sometimes jokes can unintentionally make someone uncomfortable—especially sensitive, kind-hearted people like him.
We talked about it later and realized that sensitive people often think deeply and care deeply. They notice every little detail because they don’t want to hurt others. They love sincerely and give quietly. Such hearts are precious and deserve to be cherished.
After class, we shared the remaining snacks with everyone. Some classmates took them home to share with their families. We encouraged them not to feel shy—sharing is always a blessing.
That Sunday’s class was filled with laughter, reflection, and grace. It reminded us what it truly means to be “pure in heart.” We are grateful to be part of this class—a place where we learn, pray, care for one another, and share the joy of faith together. It’s more than a class; it’s a warm and loving family.