Compassion

June 19th – Ephesians 4:32

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Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Throughout the Bible we are commanded to forgive one another. But what does true forgiveness look like? Forgiving others requires introspection and self-reflection. It means extending our forgiveness unconditionally, without holding onto grudges or seeking retribution. True forgiveness involves releasing the offender from our judgments and choosing to treat them with grace and compassion. And a great measure of that is if we genuinely desire their well-being and growth. Even if they have not sought our forgiveness or changed their behavior. Moreover, true forgiveness is letting go of resentment and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable again, opening the door to reconciliation and restoration. It involves offering the gift of forgiveness freely, without requiring the offender to earn it. When we forgive as God forgives, we emulate His boundless love, mercy, and willingness to reconcile with us despite our own shortcomings.

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June 9

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Psalm 103:12

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

One of the most beautiful verses in the Bible is Psalm 103:12. Because it demonstrates the limitless extent of God’s forgiveness and grace. And not only does it offer us freedom from guilt and shame, but also a path to redemption and growth. Nothing can hold us down like the regret of past mistakes. It keeps us separated from God, and living in defeat. And that’s not the life God wants for us. I love what Charles Stanley says. “When we stray from His presence, He longs for you to come back. He weeps that you are missing out on His love, protection and provision. He throws His arms open, runs toward you, gathers you up, and welcomes you home.” When we confess and repent before God, we promises to remember our sins no more. So go to Him. Receive His divine forgiveness and restoration. And watch God take you on a journey of personal transformation, characterized by love, compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose.

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June 5th – Matthew 18:22

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Matthew 18:22

“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Our spiritual journey is an ongoing commitment to growth and change, so too is the act of forgiveness. Just like the limitless mercy of God who endlessly forgives us, our forgiveness for others should know no bounds. Because in God’s eyes, forgiveness isn’t a one time deal. But instead an ongoing commitment to show the same grace and mercy shown to us, and to have a heart like Jesus. Which for all of us should be our ultimate goal. And we can do it with God’s help. We can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness that transcends limits and seeks reconciliation even in the face of repeated offenses. This means letting go of grudges, extending second chances, and embracing a mindset of compassion and understanding. Forgiveness can be hard, but not impossible. And it does more for us than the one we are forgiving. Because it enables us to heal relationships, foster peace, and experience the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.

June 5th – Matthew 18:22 Read More »

May 11th – Ezekiel 11:19

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Ezekiel 11:19

I used to be confused by Ezekiel 11:19. I mean I understood why God would remove our hearts of stone. But why would He replace them with hearts of flesh? After all, isn’t the flesh the very thing we fight against? Then I learned that when God speaks of a heart of flesh, He’s referring to a heart that is soft and receptive to His will. One that is eager and willing to obey and follow the Lord. And a heart that loves others with a true, Christlike love. That’s the heart I want. Which is why everyday, I pray for a heart transplant. For God to remove my wicked heart of stone, and replace it with the heart of Jesus. To make me a new creation in Christ, and to give me the power to live a life that glorifies Him. Why? Because I once read that our human hearts were created to mirror the heart of our Creator. And since the attributes of God’s heart include love, mercy, compassion, and justice, those are the attributes I want!

May 11th – Ezekiel 11:19 Read More »

May 7th – Lamentations 3:22-23

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Lamentations 3:22-23

It’s hard for me to read the book of Lamentations without a lump in my throat. Because its pages are filled with the pain of the prophet Jeremiah. He grieves over the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. Yet even in the midst of desolation and despair, Jeremiah had a heart of gratitude for the goodness of God. Gratitude is a powerful tool in overcoming the feelings that ail us. And knowing God’s compassion and kindness towards us are renewed each morning, helped ease the prophets pain. No matter how bad the circumstances of the day, with each new sunrise comes the opportunity to start fresh. To let go of yesterday and its failures and hurts, and receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Furthermore, when we trust in His unwavering love and faithfulness, and remember God’s faithful goodness, we too will have an overwhelming gratitude that eases our pain. And hearts that look to Him for the strength and hope we need to face each day.

May 7th – Lamentations 3:22-23 Read More »

Deuteronomy 15:11

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Deuteronomy 15:11

God cares deeply for the poor and the needy and expects His people to reflect that same care and compassion. That means it’s not just enough to simply acknowledge the existence of poverty. We must also actively work to alleviate it by helping those in need. Jesus loved unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. He loved the poor, the sick, the outcasts, and the sinners. Never withholding His awesome generosity from all who called on Him in faith. And He commands us to do the same. We can follow His example by loving others regardless of their background, social status, or behavior. The Lord calls us to love our neighbors. To practice Christlike, unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and sacrifice. By doing so, we can become more like Him and make a positive impact on the world around us.

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February 7th – Hebrews 2:9

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Hebrews 2:9

John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much, He sent His only Son to pay the sin debt we owe. A love perfectly exampled through the humility of that sent Son, Jesus Christ. Seated on a throne of righteousness at the right hand of the Father, the Lord willingly became “lower than the angels”. He gave up glory and power for pain and sorrow, all because of love. Love for us and love for the Father. Coming in the form of a man, Christ endured all things and suffered all things so He could become our perfect, compassionate, High Priest. (Heb. 2:16-17) Jesus shed His precious blood, giving His life so we can live eternally. And because of His great sacrifice, He once again sits beside God crowned with glory and honor. Such a love we can scarcely comprehend, and one we don’t deserve. Yet God offers His love freely. All we have to do is open our hearts and receive it.

 

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February 6th – Romans 12:20

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Romans 12:20

Some people are just hard to love. Those who no matter what we do, will criticize, judge, and find fault. Yet no matter how they treat us, God is very clear. We are never to repay evil for evil. (1 Thess. 5:15) Dealing with others not as mean as they are, but rather as good as God is. For when we do, Paul tells us it’s as if we are “heaping burning coals on their head.” But far from the picture of destruction these coals paint, they aren’t meant to consume our enemies with fire. Instead our coals of love are meant to melt even the coldest and hardened of hearts. Once we were enemies of God. Yet instead of giving us what we deserved, He gave us what we didn’t. Providing His Son as a path of reconciliation so He could call us His beloved. And when we too choose compassion over revenge, sharing the grace of God with others, we show the Lord how thankful we are for the unmerited love He so generously gives to us.

 

February 6th – Romans 12:20 Read More »

January 28th -John 5:6

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John 5:6

No matter who we are, each of us at different times in our lives need the healing that only God can provide. The man at the pool of Bethesda was just one of many hoping for a miracle. And he received it through the compassion of Jesus. Christ offered this man grace and mercy, and He offers it to us as well. Our Lord wants no one to suffer in sickness and so He shed His precious blood to become our perfect path to healing. “He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases.” (Matt. 8:17) Whether the healing we need is  physical, emotional, spiritual, or all three, Jesus not only provides deliverance from our troubles, but also peace, hope, and joy. So if you find yourself at the edge of the pool lying on your mat wondering when your healing will come, be proactive. Pray, trust, believe, and be ready to put in the work for change when Jesus asks, “Do you wish to be well?”

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August 29th – Hebrews 12:6

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Hebrews 12:6

Author Ellen J Barrier once said, “I believe that parents who love their children do everything for them with love, even discipline.” But even when it’s done from a loving heart, no one likes punishment. Yet the writer of Hebrews tells us to rejoice when we’re being disciplined by God. Because it’s one of the kindest things He can do. For through discipline, we see the love our Father has for His children. As parents ourselves we understand that raising successful, independent, and healthy children comes from training them up in the way they should go. Training rooted in love, correction tempered with compassion, and punishment doled out with mercy. God wants just as much for His children to be successful. So from His great love, He doesn’t turn a blind eye to our mistakes. Instead He disciplines us as much as needed, and only as long as needed. And all for our good and His glory.

August 29th – Hebrews 12:6 Read More »