God
gives us discernment of others to protect us, but we take it one step too far.
Suspicions, criticizing, gossiping, and negative judgments of others are a sign
that we are expecting perfection from them and from our self.
We
feel shame, so we shame others. Feeling shame is inherent in our human nature
and is fed by Satan's lies to our mind. He convinces us that we are not
"enough"; so we carry around the shame-filled idea that we are
lacking what we need.
We
believe his distorted facts about our self and others, and we feel defeat
before we ever get started with our day. God's truth is that He loved us while
we were still sinners (Roman 5:8). He recognizes our humanity, and simply wants
our obedience to His Spirit.
Having
compassion for our self, and everyone else, will help us to heal. God gives us
the courage to be vulnerable, to love others as we love our self (Mark 12:31),
and to realize that He loved us enough to take on human form (Philippians 2:7) to
save us from our flesh, the world and the devil.
One
who has suffered much in life, learns compassion. Hard knocks teach us to rid
our mind of apathy, disinterest and unconcern. This way we feel and show love
and care for our self and others. We walk in the Spirit and allow Christ in us
to minister through us.
Jesus
suffered much during his lifetime, and He had compassion on others (Isaiah 53:3;
Matthew 14:14, 20:34; Mark 6:34). His example teaches us to be aware of the
people around us (Luke 17:12-19; Matthew 9:20). We look at their heart when
they speak to us (1 Samuel 16:7).
Their
eyes are the windows of their soul (Proverbs 30:17), and their body language is
also very telling (Proverbs 16:30). Through a kind and tender heart of
compassion, we rejoice with those who rejoice and we mourn with those who mourn
(Romans 12:15; Ephesians 4:32).
Prayer:
Father
God, You allow our trials in life to strengthen our character and to teach us
compassion, so that You can use us to help others (Luke 22:31-34). Our
experiences give us wisdom to share with others. Remind us not to enable
others, or to bail them out of their circumstances, but to walk alongside of them
in their trials, and to follow Your Spirit's direction as we do.
As
You flood our heart with compassion for those lost and headed to an eternity in
hell, for those suffering physical and mental and emotional distress, and for
those who lack direction and joy in life, we can actually bless them by sharing
Your love and concern for them (Matthew 9:35-36; Romans 12:1; 1 Thessalonians
5:14).
Thought
for the Day:
Grace
is unearned favor from God for us in our imperfect state and lifestyle; and we
share His grace through a compassionate heart, attitude and action toward
others; we need God's Holy Spirit to aid us in discerning the need in our own
soul and in others, and to give us have the courage to approach them.
-
2 Corinthians 13:14
