Compassion

February 7th – Hebrews 2:9

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.

 

February 7th – Hebrews 2:9 Read More »

February 6th – Romans 12:20

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

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

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.

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August 26th – Luke 6:24

Luke 6:24

No matter how much it may appear that someone’s life is full of prosperity, it means nothing if they haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Because material things may fill our lives but can never fill our hearts. Nor can they provide the comfort and peace of resting in the eternal promises of Jesus. That’s why it’s so important we as Believers, are sharing the gospel. And not just because Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt. 28:19) But also out of kindness, compassion, and love. There are many who are hurting, empty, and lost in this world. Those desperately in search of hope and happiness. We have the great privilege of being able to share with them the “Good News” they are seeking. Everyone of us has a unique testimony to give. And you never know if yours is the one God will use to help one of His lost find their way home!

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August 4th – Isaiah 54:9

Isaiah 54:9

We’ve all found ourselves in situations that seemed hopeless. Or been in pain that is too deep, and too raw for anyone to understand. And everyone has had times when we’ve felt all alone. But as Christians we are never alone. God is always there ready, able, and willing to shower us with His lovingkindness and compassion. For no matter what we do, God in His perfect love remains the same. When we fail, when we fall, and when are are unfaithful to Him, God’s love stays the course. Why? Because His love is based on His amazing grace rather than anything we do or don’t do. So storms may rage and the winds howl, but nothing, absolutely nothing will shake the promise of peace God offers. That means we can rejoice in all trials. For storms only last awhile, and God is in complete control of every one. And He will see us through each step until the sun shines again.

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February 5th – 1 Peter 4:8

1 Peter 4:8

Sometimes loving others isn’t easy. Yet Paul tells us to love one another just the same. Because each of us are deeply flawed, and each of us sin daily. But God loves us with His incredible unconditional and forgiving love just the same. And He calls us to show this same love to one another. That doesn’t mean that we turn a blind eye to sin. What it does mean is that we forgive those who trespass against us, and encourage them to repentance when they trespass against God. When we remember how our Father, in His great love, forgives the unforgivable in us, how could we not show that same love to others!

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