Good morning,
Our mid-week service has just completed a study on the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)Nine character qualities that each believer possesses. When we have an understanding of each characteristic and allow the Holy Spirit to use them in our lives, we have the potential to help many people.
Having said that, each day we miss opportunities God gives us. When God met people He had compassion on them. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed thousands. As we walk through life are we oblivious to the needs of the hungry, lonely, in need of someone to talk to? Do we ignore their needs as the Priest and Levite did in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37? Or do we have the compassion Jesus exhibited when He met people in need?
Consider the following verses.
1 PETER 3:8-9
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1 JOHN 3:16-18
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
JUDE 21-23
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Today, we need to consider how we might be more compassionate toward others. After we have considered it, then we need to take steps to implement our plans.
Others are counting on us. Will we be God’s conduit for compassion to others?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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