Compassion

July 27th – Proverbs 8:32

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Proverbs 8:32

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.”

One of the most important things Solomon wanted to leave his children was a legacy of wisdom and discernment. Wisdom uses our life experiences and past consequences when making decisions. While discernment uses facts as we know them to judge whether something or someone is true and right. Both go hand in hand, and both are important in leading successful, victorious, Christian lives. Spiritual gifts given by God, when we follow the path of wisdom and discernment, we are more likely to avoid mistakes and make better choices. We save ourselves from a world of pain, heartache, and regret. Wisdom and discernment allow us to leads lives of integrity, love, and compassion. And they give us a testimony to share with others, so they too can avoid the pitfalls of wrong decisions. By following Solomon’s advice and walking in wisdom’s ways, we open ourselves to many blessings. Blessings including sound decision making, inner peace, and spiritual growth.

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July 10th – Proverbs 4:4

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Proverbs 4:4

“Then he taught me, and he said to me, ‘Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.”

There’s a reason the Bible is the best selling book of all time. Because in it can found the perfect blueprint for life. Solomon’s father David knew the life saving benefits of believing and following God’s Word. And so he ingrained the need to know and study the Lord’s commandments into his son. Words echoed by Solomon to all who seek wisdom. God’s Word provides much needed guidance, discernment, and direction for every aspect of our lives. Through the stories, parables, and teachings it contains we can find answers to life’s deepest questions, discover the character of God, and learn how to live according to His will. The Bible shows example after example of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Which in turn inspires us to live with compassion, humility, and integrity. More than just a good book, God’s Word is alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12) And if we follow it teachings, will point us to a meaningful and Christlike life.

July 10th – Proverbs 4:4 Read More »

July 4th – Proverbs 3:3

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Proverbs 3:3

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

How many of us wear a Cross necklace to remember our Savior? Well Solomon tells us the necklace we should be wearing is one that says “Hesed”, meaning loving faithfulness. And not only should “Hesed” adorn our necks, but more importantly be tattooed upon our hearts. Why? As a reminder to prioritize love and faithfulness as guiding principles in all we do and say. Love compels us to show kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others. Faithfulness calls us to be trustworthy, reliable, and true to our word. Jesus is the perfect embodiment of loving faithfulness. And He serves as a beacon of hope and an example to follow. For the Lord reminds us of the boundless love of God and encourages us to extend that love and faithfulness to others. By imitating Jesus’ compassionate heart and unwavering commitment, we can become vessels of his love in a broken world. And take up His banner of spreading His message of hope, forgiveness, and redemption to a desperate world.

July 4th – Proverbs 3:3 Read More »

June 29th – Genesis 50:17

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Genesis 50:17

“This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.”

If there’s anyone who had a reason to hold a grudge and exact vengeance, it would be Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph had every right to hold bitterness in his heart against them. Yet Joseph’s response was one of forgiveness and compassion. Because he knew their actions were part of God’s greater plan. That same ability to forgive is within all of us who are rooted in deep faith and trust in God’s plan. Like Joseph, we can chose to see beyond the betrayal and harbor no bitterness in our hearts. Just as Jesus does for us, Joseph displayed empathy, understanding, and compassion. Because he knew all of us are flawed and capable of making mistakes. By extending forgiveness, Joseph embraced the opportunity for reconciliation and restoration, prioritizing love and unity over vengeance. His forgiveness is a testament to his remarkable character. And it serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of forgiveness in our own lives.

June 29th – Genesis 50:17 Read More »

June 20th – Daniel 9:9

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Daniel 9:9

“To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him”

Everyday even the mightiest Christian rebels against God. Yet everyday, when we confess and repent of our wickedness, the Lord offers His forgiveness. And I’m so thankful He does. But why does God do it? First and foremost, because it’s a testament to His unwavering desire for a deep and intimate relationship with us. God understands that we are fallen beings who make mistakes and have sinful tendencies. But He longs to restore that relationship and reconcile with us. And by extending His unending grace, God shows us that He is willing to forgive even the gravest of offenses if we genuinely seek His forgiveness. Moreover, God’s forgiveness provides us with the opportunity to learn from our mistakes, develop humility, and have a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others. By experiencing the profound impact of God’s forgiveness, we are inspired to extend that same forgiveness to those who have wronged us.

June 20th – Daniel 9:9 Read More »

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.

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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 »