Compassion is the act of feeling with and for others by extending mercy to help them. It's basically putting yourself in someone else's shoes and trying to envision what they are going through while not being judgemental. By being compassionate we can show the healing presence of Jesus to people.
This again is not a trait that comes naturally because as humans we are selfish by nature. The closer we become to Jesus the more compassionate we become......at least that's how I see it. We see verses where Jesus had compassion for people. By His example we need to do the same.
I know it's hard to have compassion when we are hurt. It's hard to have compassion for others when our own world is falling apart because we just like to stay in our own misery. The thought of someone else going through a rough time is not what our priority is at that moment......but it should be. I've learned that when we do for others and take the focus off "me" we can not only be a blessing to the other person, but we glorify God in the process. We end up knowing that what we are going through is relatively not so bad compared to some people and their situations.
As Christians, we need to have compassion. What people live in or experience day to day is something to take into consideration when displaying compassion. There are reasons people act and do what they do and the reasons may not be as simple as we think. Just because we may be able to handle tougher situations with ease doesn't mean others can do the same.
Some friends and I are meeting new people in our church neighborhood by asking if they want prayer. Interacting with people begins a connection and after the connection is made, we can talk and know what the person is going through. We offer prayer for them and intend to return to build a relationship with them in the upcoming weeks. Most seem open to this. Some we meet are struck with illness....some are lonely....some are worried......some are angry at the world.....some don't know Jesus. This is true with anyone you meet. You just never know what is going on in someone's life.
Think of the person(s) in your life who just drive you nuts......now think of how you could change your mindset and have compassion for them. What are they doing that drive you nuts? How is their home life? Are they saved? Do they have a relationship with Jesus? Have they lost their way? Do they know you care? Can you relate to their situation? Do you know them well enough to put yourself in their shoes?
All these things take the focus off "me" and my feelings and turn it back to the other person. In doing things for others we can feel better also. that way we can be a blessing to others.
Verses.....
Mark 1:41
Matthew 15:32
1 Peter 3:8-9
What you wrote [ "I've learned that when we do for others and take the focus off "me" we can not only be a blessing to the other person, but we glorify God in the process.'] Is something i think about at times. We all seem to forget that we were all created for God's glory. I think of ways that i can give him his glory and just how short i fall most days.
ReplyDeleteI have a question on if you do something and your heart is not in it, are you really giving God his glory?? If only there were a way the i could just focus on giving God the glory he deserves instead of focusing more on me. I try to do things for his glory that take me out of comfort zone, but i usually don't like it. To me that is not giving God his glory, because my heart is not in it. He knows i don't like it and what's in my heart and that i am not happy doing, so does that mean he is not glorified?? Maybe it will take time for me to get better at giving him his glory. Maybe i just need to grow more in my faith and grow closer to Jesus and that will help me live more like him.
Back to compassion...... In my job i know there are times that i have showed compassion to others. When i did i felt good about myself and have even thought that i in a small way gave God some glory because in those moments i lived as Jesus commanded me too. Other times i was not so compassionate with others. Some of them were bad bad people. Some were people that called in complaining. Some were people that made threats on me, and some were just people that thought i should have a magic wand and could fix all there problems just like that. During those times i certainly did not show compassion, let alone give God his glory. So, i guess i need to do some work in the compassion area as well as many others. I am thankful for a patient God.
I believe I put this comment on pastor blog last week, but I feel if you do things for God our hearts should be into it. I put that comment about me and Jr. Church. I could extend that I worked in a daycare with 3 year olds for a year and dreaded it everyday.mnot that I don't love kids....I do, but being with them for extended hours isn't for me.
ReplyDeleteI do be,I've God puts desires in our hearts to serve Him well. I can say this is how it happened for me when dustin and I lead the youth group. Those kids were my passion and I enjoyed spending time with them. For some they prefer young kids.....or elderly.....or being a prayer warrior.....or serving by using their hands as in trustees.....or teaching Gods word. I believe he will give desires to you......but I also feel we should not not do anything while we wait for God to lead us. We should always be serving Him in some capacity. And we should be looking for ways to spread the gospel to people. I'm. To aggressive in talking about the gospel when I first meet someone.......but I like to meet people and talk and establish a relationship. That takes time and I feel if God is in the whole meeting and discipleship process, He will make it happen. He has control.
As far as compassion.......don't beat yourself up about it or about not giving God the glory. When you recognize you can do better and get back up to keep on going....that's perseverance. And that's what he expects us to do. That means you're growing!! Keep on doing what your doing. Stay in the Word and pray and you'll be just fine.
Is there something you don't want to do for God that has you wondering? If it is a burden to you and you dread serving in a particular way, pray about it first. Then talk to someone you trust in church leadership. Then decide what God has for you to do or not to do.
It's supposed to say I'm not to aggressive.......oh golly.
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