Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Role of Compassion in Faith

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:25-27

Key verse: V27“Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” Philippians 2:27 

DEVOTION

Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi is broken into four sections, joy in: suffering, serving, believing, and giving. Today’s passage comes from Paul’s section on the “joy in serving.” He shows them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone despite one’s circumstances. Timothy and Epaphroditus faithfully served with Paul in the work of the gospel showing compassion to all whilst foregoing their own interests and needs. Paul shows compassion by sending back the church in Philippi one of their own (Epaphroditus). He showed this virtue by taking care of Paul’s needs and serving him despite almost dying in the process for the work of Christ. God also reveals his own compassion by sparing Epaphroditus’ life. Paul’s hope is that their friend returning to Philippi would relieve himself and them of any anxiety. He requests that the church in Philippi rejoice and honor Epaphroditus when he returns for his service with Paul.
The grace of God and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in us should give us a heart of compassion to serve and attend to the needs of others. Compassion is an outward display of love because of being moved by our inward reflection on the sufferings of the people around us. Having compassion moves us beyond simply observing and feeling “sorry” for those who are experiencing hardships. Are we sacrificing comfort to help and love those around us? Tangible ways we can cultivate compassion include practicing empathy and forgiveness, avoiding judgement, praying for a compassionate heart, and ultimately serving others. Compassion is asking others if and how we can help in any situation before ever being asked. Believers are changed when they realize how God loved the world so much that He gave his only begotten Son, Jesus, to die for us and the forgiveness of our sins so that we may have the gift of everlasting life in Heaven with Him. We must ask ourselves how we can emulate Christ’s compassion in a world where self-love and looking out for one’s own self is being perpetuated. 

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the perfect example of how to show love and compassion to the world. Humble our hearts to consider others before ourselves. Allow us to be compassionate to others in all our interactions so that they may experience your love when they encounter us. We thank you for the gift of salvation you offered to us by sending your son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:12-14


Shawn Varghese
Trinity Mar Thoma Church Houston, Texas
 

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