As we enter into this Christmas season let us develop a compassion for others – a deep rooted awareness of the sufferings of others and wanting to do something about it.
When we feel true compassion, we will be moved, having empathy to have one's heart reach out toward the needs of others.
To be compassionate, to pity, to be kindhearted, it means to be tenderhearted, to be sensitive and affectionate, to be moved with tender feelings over the pain and sufferings of others.
Far too many people have become callous rather than compassionate. Some have lost sight of the compassion of Christ and the teaching he left us on compassion.
There are many examples given in the Bible where we read of Jesus' compassion. His compassion was shown for a demon-possessed man who lived among tombs. People such as he were considered unclean by rabbis of the day. Polite society avoided them.
Our Lord reached out and helped those he encountered who were in need. He had compassion for a diseased woman, and for a dead girl's family.
In Job 6:1-30 we are told how compassion can go beyond words.
Job said that his friend Eliphaz's advice was like eating the tasteless white of an egg. This shows us how ill advised counsel is distasteful when someone is going through a severe trial. Inside they are upset, even though they may listen quietly and politely. We should be slow in giving advice to those who are hurting. Many times they often need compassion more than they need our advice.
Paul preached that God is the source of all the believer's ability for showing true compassion.
In Colossians 3:12 (NIV) we read, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
There are so many people who suffer and keep on suffering never having their needs met. Thus many in the world have become hardened to others' sufferings. Many seem to enjoy when they hoard and build up assets when they could be sacrificing and reaching out so that they can meet the world's needs.
This should not be said of the believer.
I am not saying that believers should be without the necessities of life. All believers need to have pity when they see the sufferings of others. Pity is to be felt by believers to the point they are moved to act to help meet others' needs.
There are people hurting in need in each of our communities. As believers, we are called to help.
This needs to be our cry to the Lord concerning compassion as we approach the Christmas holiday, “Lord, teach us to have compassion by the touch of our hand and the tears on our face. Lord, teach us to have compassion for the sick and the sinner of every tribe and race. Lord, teach us to have compassion through the truth of our actions that we may receive the same compassion one day when we meet”.
These morning messages are now available by email. Simply write me with you email address at schneider.nick@gmail.com, and I'll be happy to forward them to your in-box.
No comments:
Post a Comment