spiritually. He is our ultimate example of a life of compassion. Check it out in
Matthew 9:35-38.
TUESDAY: The dictionary also provides antonyms (or opposites) for the word “compassion.” They are simply “mercilessness, indifference (lack of interest or concern).” Unfortunately, these words describe many of us today. We see people all around us who are either physically hurting or spiritually lost, and we are too busy
with our own lives to care. But God wants us to consider this. Reaching out to
the people around us in His Name is one specific way He wants us to serve Him.
That’s right, by serving others, we are actually serving HIM. Read Jesus’
parable in Matthew 25:31-40.
WEDNESDAY: Make a list of some people in your life who are facing difficult situations or just plain lost and needing to know about a God who loves them. Now, next to their names try to think of some specific ways you could serve God by serving them. Could you be a friend to someone who needs one? Comfort someone who’s in pain? Speak up and share what Jesus means to you? Forgive someone who’s wronged you just like Jesus forgave you? Read Colossians 3:12-13.
THURSDAY: Are there some people on your list that are just plain hard to love? Look up Romans 12:9-21. As you can see from these verses, compassion isn’t just about showing love to those who love us back or when it’s convenient. It’s about loving others even when it doesn’t come naturally, reaching out even when it’s not at all
convenient, putting the needs of others before our own. Are you willing to show
compassion to someone today in Jesus Name? Your willingness to step out could
help someone experience Jesus’ love for them for the very first time!
FRIDAY: Before we can truly show compassion to others, we need to understand God’s compassion toward us. When we were hateful and hating, He loved us. When we were selfish, wrapped up in our sin and godless desires, He selflessly sent His Son, “who knew no sin,” to the cross to forgive our sins and give us new life and a future in heaven with Him. Read Romans 5:8. Have you received God’s awesome gift of salvation? If not, today can be the day! If so, why not take a few minutes to thank God for His compassion toward YOU today?
SATURDAY: Look back at the list you made on Wednesday. Are there any names or ideas that you can add? Think about how you can, with God’s help, put into practice some of the ideas you wrote down next to your names. Read Philippians 4:13, then ask God to give you the courage and desire to carry out your plans and show compassion in His Name—starting today!