Compassion

Aug

2023

Compassionate and Gracious God

Exodus 34:6 reveals the character of God as He proclaims His name to Moses:

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.'”

This verse provides a glimpse into the Heart of God, describing His compassionate and gracious nature. It reassures us of His patience, love, and faithfulness, even in the face of human failings and shortcomings. It invites us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is a God who extends mercy and steadfast love to those who seek Him.

Compassionate God

Compassion speaks of deep empathy and tender concern for those in need. It reveals God’s heart of love and His willingness to come to the aid of His people.

God’s compassion is not a distant or indifferent response; rather, it is a compassionate response that is moved by our struggles and sorrows.

He is a God who understands our weaknesses and is quick to extend His mercy and help in times of distress. His compassion assures us that we are not alone in our trials, but have a loving and compassionate God who walks alongside us.

Gracious God

The verse further describes God as being Gracious. God’s grace is His unmerited favor and kindness extended toward humanity.

God’s grace is abundantly available to all who seek Him, regardless of their past failures or shortcomings. He is a God who offers forgiveness, restoration, and second chances.

His grace is a constant reminder that we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is eager to extend His grace to us and pour out His blessings upon our lives.

Slow to Anger

Exodus 34:6 also highlights two other attributes of God: His patience and His abounding love and faithfulness. God is slow to anger, displaying immense patience even in the face of human rebellion and disobedience.

His love is boundless, overflowing with compassion and kindness towards His creation. He is faithful and trustworthy, keeping His promises and remaining steadfast throughout generations.

God’s patience, love, and faithfulness assure us of His unwavering commitment to His people, and they inspire us to trust in Him and rely on His unfailing love.

Take comfort in His compassion and draw near to Him with confidence, knowing that He cares deeply for you. Experience the richness of His grace, recognizing that you are a recipient of His unmerited favor and blessings.

Jul

2023

Hungry and Thirsty

Matthew 25:35 reminds us of the importance of showing compassion and care for others.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in”

Jesus commends those who have reached out to the vulnerable, providing them with food, clothing, and support. This verse highlights the significance of practical acts of love and kindness, emphasizing that when we serve others, we are ultimately serving Christ Himself.

The message of this verse aligns with the teachings of Jesus throughout the Gospels, where He repeatedly emphasizes the value of loving our neighbors as ourselves.

It challenges us to examine how we can extend a helping hand to those in need, whether it be through providing physical sustenance, emotional support, or any other form of assistance.

It reminds us that even the smallest acts of compassion can have a significant impact on someone’s life.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be instruments of His love and mercy in the world.

Matthew 25:35 serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that our faith is not merely about beliefs or rituals, but about actively living out the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Jul

2020

30 Years Ago

30 years ago this week, I had an encounter that irrevocably altered the trajectory of my life.

In an old hot, barn type building, I reluctantly sat listening to a preacher man tell of the need for a Savior.

I wanted so bad to run out of there that night! As the preacher man started his closing comments, I began looking for my escape!

To my left sat my 2 children, David and Shelly; next to them was Rev David Archer, hands folded and praying for me!

As I turned to my right, looking for my wife, Sherri, I noticed she was gone, and was now down at the front of that old building, kneeling in prayer! My little sister Jenniferwas down there too!

I felt like I would explode, anxiety was building and I decided to leave the building . . . I needed air or I thought I would die.

When I reached the aisle, I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder; the next thing I knew, I was on my knees at the front of that old church building.

Some say weak men go to Jesus as an out; I wasn’t weak, I was broken, I did NOT want to be there, yet there I was!

Jesus came looking for me, and He gently cornered me that night, and looked into my heart. When my eyes met His, and with tears flowing, I said to Him: ” I got nothing to give you, nothing”

With compassion and grace He replied: “I’ll take it.”

30 years later I still love Him, the oddest thing . . . He still loves me!

Some of my dearest friends think Jesus is a joke, a fallacy propagated for over 2 millennia.

My earnest prayer today, is that the same Jesus that looked into my heart, would be pleased to look into yours!

Feb

2019

Learn Compassion

In our endeavor to reach people for Jesus, we must become people of compassion. For some of us this does not come easy. God will grant compassion to those who earnestly seek it!

When we watch people constantly struggle and fall, sometimes we get into the “just get over it” mindset. That is NOT compassion! It is actually judgment. What we are really saying is; “I am frustrated, and not able to know how to help you, I got over it, so should you.”

These kinds of statements place shame on the individual you are speaking to. They will begin to avoid you at all costs!

Gently and compassionately lead them to Jesus; He is the ONLY one who can truly set them free!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16