Photo credit: https://www.ted.com/playlists/447/how_to_make_compassion_thrive Zach Young Child of the King www.purleygatesretreat.org Hello brothers and sisters! I pray you all are having amazing weeks thus far and are praising Jesus every moment of every day. He is good! Today I would like to discuss the topic of compassion – just like the title of this posts says. Plain and simple today. I have realized lately that compassion is a major ingredient in order for us to be successful followers of Jesus. If we are being honest, this ingredient is often missing in our everyday lives, and it shows.
For me lately it has been showing when I’m out on the road and the person in front of me is enjoying a nice afternoon cruise. Instead of praying for them, and asking God to reveal Himself to them and let them feel SO loved, I am usually griping and asking God to make those people take the next turn. It also shows when I’m out in public places like Walmart. I’m surrounded by hurting people, but instead of loving on them, I more concerned about getting my stuff and getting home as quick as possible. When I look at God’s word and study the character and life of Jesus, nothing like this shows up. So what’s the difference? Compassion. So how do we get this? I wrote last week about who we are in Christ and living in that. Well now we have to grab hold of God’s compassion in order to see that same identity for the people around us. There is an important step that we as believers set aside in our Christian walks far too often. Once we realize our identity in Christ, we have to then take it further and realize that there are SO many people in this world that haven’t gotten that same beautiful moment of clarity, peace, and love. Jesus was the ultimate picture of compassion, and the best example is found when He was hanging on the cross for us (Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:21-40, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:17-37). Instead of being upset at the people who put Him there, instead of having a pity party for Himself because it wasn’t a good day (in fact it was the worst day), instead of all that Jesus chose to have compassion. He stayed up on that cross when He could have easily changed his mind. He pleaded on our behalf, asking our Father to forgive us because He saw our true identity and wanted nothing more than for us to find that and be restored to relationship. How about another great example from Jesus? One day He decided to show His disciples just how much He loved them by becoming the least and washing their feet (John 13:1-15). I don’t know about you, but to me that’s a big deal. Feet are gross! But once again Jesus understood who we are and did everything He could in order for us to understand that. You see, it’s one thing to be able to know the value of someone, but it’s something completely different to go and show that person their value. It’s compassion. It takes the heart and eyes of Jesus. Our daily walks should reflect more of this. So as you go about your lives this week, take some time to look at people the way Jesus does. Ask Him for His heart and vision. Let God’s love overflow this week and show true compassion for His people. It will be amazing what God does when His people begin to act with more compassion towards hurting and lost people! I hope you all are encouraged and challenged today! If you enjoyed, please feel free to let us know and share it with friends. Let’s spread the love of Jesus with everyone. Jesus loves you!
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November 2017
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