Compassion – Living Hand in Hand
Compassion makes life beautiful. Compassion makes life worth living. Compassion gives us a glimpse of heaven here on earth. Because God is is the epitome of compassion. If we want to be compassionate we need to become more like him.
The fifth spiritual fruit discribed in Galatians 5:22 has traditionally been translated kindness (NIV/NRSV)or gentleness (KJV). The Message uses “a sense of compassion in the heart”. I think it is more provoking than kindness or gentleness. It gives us an urgent call for action.
We are called to live hand in hand. We are called to help each other out. We are called to share God’s lovingkindness and compassion with everyone we encounter. We are called to become more Christ-like. We are called to show compassion. But it’s more than giving handouts. We are called to live hand in hand. What could that mean? Micah gives us direction:
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.(Micah 6:8, MSG, emphasis mine)
We are to take God seriously, not ourselves. We are to be God’s hands and feet on this green earth. We are to act our faith out by showing God’s love and compassion to each other. But like all the spiritual fruit, this is something that God will make happen. It’s not our doing. But we can answer ‘yes’ to God’s calling and allow God’s work in our hearts. The more time we spend in God’s presence, the more Christ-like, the more compassionate we become. The more we allow God to work though us, the more glimpses of heaven can be seen and felt here on earth. Then we are truly living hand in hand.
Gracious God,
Thank you for being abundantly compassionate.
Help us to become more like you.
Take us by the hand and guide, teach & direct us.
Help us to live hand in hand.
Bless us with your lovingkindness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
This post is part of One Word at a Time: Compassion blog carnival hosted at britneychumbley.com. Check out the other posts and be generous with your comments!
Blessings to you! May you feel God’s compassion in your life!
———————
Details of the picture
11 thoughts on “Compassion – Living Hand in Hand”
Compassion is indeed what we are called to to if, as you point out, we take God seriously. Good post, Mari-Anna.
"Compassion makes life worth living." You certainly got that right. Makes life worth living for the compassionate as well as the compassion-receiver.
Hi Mari-Anna:) My sincere desire is to be as Christ-like as possible. As I continue to be washed by the water of the Word, His compassion oozes through my being and my soul. When we understand His (the Lord Jesus') compassion, then it becomes so much easier to be compassionate towards others. 🙂
Saying "yes" to His voice is so important! Thanks for the gentle reminder!
Peace,
Jay
Glynn, Scott, Mimi & Jay,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful & encouraging feedback. You made my day. God bless you richly!
Living hand in hand. I like that thought. And I love the image.
I second what Sandra said…
Also, I love how you close with the most meaningful prayers. Thanks for this, Mari-Anna.
Sandra & Bridget,
Thank you kindly for your meaningful comments! God's peace & blessings!
"Compassion gives us a glimpse of heaven here on earth." Amen to that! Terrific post.
You're right. Compassion is a "normal" expectation of anyone of us who is serving our Lord. Being available to touch, bless, hold someone who is going through a tough stretch is an automatic in terms of our willingness. Thanks for your manner of expressing this truism.
Fatha & Joanne,
Thank you so much for your feedback, much appreciated! Grace & peace!