COMPASSION

Someone who is compassionate has sympathy for the suffering of others, which often includes a desire to help. It is a character trait handed down by our Creator.

God is a God of compassion (James 5:11 and throughout the Old Testament!).

One of the most famous examples in the Bible is the story Jesus told of the Good Samaritan…

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. ³¹“And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³²“Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³“But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, ³⁴and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. Luke 10:30 - 34 (NASB)

His example tells us that being knowledgeable about God or in a certain position of authority doesn’t make you right with Him. It is what you do with that knowledge. How we act toward others.

Paul exhorts us to have compassion in his letters…

³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

¹²So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; ¹³bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:12 - 13 (NASB)

When the man in the story of the Good Samaritan took care of the person that was hurt, he expected nothing in return. He spent his own money, took time out of his schedule to help another human being. His thanks was from God alone.

Choose to have compassion on your fellow human beings, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ.

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GENEROSITY

Have you ever known anyone that was generous? It’s really refreshing to meet someone like that. They give without thinking of their own needs, simply to please someone else or meet a need in their life. Really, it is an act of faith, believing that God will replace whatever they are giving away whether it is money, material possessions or their services.

God exhorts us to be generous to the poor…

Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. Deuteronomy 15:10 (NLT)

Paul tells Timothy in his first letter to tell people that the “riches” of this world are not to be held on to but to be used to glorify God and the future life with Him that lies ahead for believers in Christ…

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. ¹⁸Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. 1 Timothy 6:17 - 19 (NASB)

Paul demonstrated generosity in His ministry. This is the best way that we can teach others and show them how much we love God…by showing them that they are important to Him as well…

“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 (NASB)

The Accelerated Christian Education curriculum defines the character trait, generous, as…

Using all I have to glorify God because it all belongs to Him.

Amen.

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PERSEVERANCE

There have been many stories about professional athletes that have gone on to win a game or a series despite injuries that may have occurred during the game. Why do they keep going? Is it just the money, or is there a higher satisfaction from accomplishing something despite the pain?

The dictionary (Encarta) defines perseverance as

Steady and continued action or belief, usually over a long period and especially despite difficulties or setbacks.

In other words, regardless of the problems along the way, you keep going toward the goal. Paul wrote to the church in Rom about such perseverance…

³And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; ⁴and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; ⁵and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3 - 5 (NASB)

Perhaps it should be even easier for the Christian to persevere through trials and problems in this life because of the known result…life with God forever. In the perseverance of the Christian, a great testimony results that demonstrates to those without Christ in their lives the incredible nature of the gift that God has given. Not only do we have the privilege and honor of eternal life with God, but the privilege and honor of showing others what they too may possess.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. — Confucius

Here are the last few stanzas of a poem entitled, “The Race.” The entire poem may be found at http://www.bible.org/illus.php?topic_id=472

And even though he came in last with head bowed low, unproud,
you would have thought he’d won the race, to listen to the crowd.
And to his dad he sadly said, “I didn’t do so well.”
To me, you won,” his father said. “You rose each time you fell.”

And now when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face,
the memory of that little boy helps me in my own race.
For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all.
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.

“Quit!” “Give up, you’re beaten,” they still shout in my face,
but another voice within me says, “Get up and win that race.”

Aren’t you glad that Jesus didn’t give up when the going got tough!

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD