Compassion
is a complex emotion. Without love, there is no compassion; and without
compassion, there is no true love. Compassion is the most important ingredient
in a successful relationship with friends, relatives, associates and neighbors.
When
someone reaps what they sow, it is very easy to feel like they earned their
misery, and we have trouble showing them much compassion. If someone mistreats
us or abuses us, we withhold love from them until we view their actions with
the eyes of compassion.
Having
compassion helps us to rise above our feelings, and to give God's Agape love to
our offenders. As God's adopted children, we walk in holiness and humility with
kindness, gentleness and patience at the core of our compassion for others
(Colossians 3:12).
God
gives us His example of showing mercy and kindness to us and others, and having
compassion toward us (Exodus 33:19). He comforts us and has compassion on the
afflicted (Isaiah 49:13). We cannot help but praise Him for His goodness
(Isaiah 63:7).
When
we persevere through the trials of life, God blesses us with more than we ever
lost, because of His unfailing love and mercy (James 5:11; Lamentations 3:32;
Psalm 103:13). God blots out our transgressions, and shows us His grace and
truth (Psalm 51:1, 116:5).
Jesus
desires from us compassion for sinners more than sacrificial offerings (Matthew
9:13). His plans for us are our delight, and His compassion enables us to live
a fulfilled life (Psalm 119:77, 156). He is good to all those who trust in and
honor Him (Psalm 145:9).
We
teach our soul to praise God's holy name by remembering the blessings He
bestows on us every moment of every day: He forgives our sins, heals our
diseases, satisfies us with good things, redeems our life from the pit of hell,
and crowns us with love and compassion (Psalm 103:1-5).
Prayer:
Father
God, Jesus is Your only begotten Son through Your union between Your Spirit and
Mary, and we are so grateful that we are Your adopted children. You are the
Father of compassion and comfort in all of our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4;
Matthew 1:18). United with Christ in us, we have encouragement, are comforted
by Your love, and share Your Spirit with Jesus.
In
this world, tenderness and compassion make our joy complete as we dwell in
like-minded unity of love, spirit and doctrine - not doing anything out of
selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, we value one another in Your
Body, our church family, above our self (Philippians 2:1-3). Give us Jesus'
compassion for the sick, the harassed and helpless (Matthew 9:35-36).
Thought
for the Day:
God
enables us to show one another - especially our spouse - compassion, patience,
mercy, love, attentiveness, honor and respect - even if we do not relate to
what they share with us, or if we fail to see the value or concern in what they
need us to affirm and validate.
-
Luke 6:31
