In Mark 1 Jesus healed a leper. The word for “leprosy” was quite broad. It referred to any number of skin-related diseases. But it was a serious condition and made the man “unclean.” He had to live outside the city and away from people. A leper was alone and desperate—cut off from family, friends and … Continue reading He heals both body and soul conjointly
compassion
Seize kingdom moments
A man was in a nursing home. He wasn’t having a good day. He was feeling low and disheveled. One of the nurses noticed. So she brought him a comb so that he would feel better. It did. Yes, he was able to brush his hair. But even more than that, he knew that someone … Continue reading Seize kingdom moments
Being compassionately different
“We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Lyman Stone is an advisor for Demographic Intelligence. He highlights something which made Christians stand out from the crowd in centuries past: “Probably a disease related to Ebola, the Plague of Cyrpian helped set off the Crisis of the Third Century in the Roman world. … Continue reading Being compassionately different
Lovingly disagreeing
Maybe you’ve never thought of it like this before, but one of the ways you can contribute to a more thoughtful and respectful world is to learn how to lovingly disagree with someone. That’s right. Disagree with someone. Lovingly. Pastor and writer Rick Warren has expressed how we, as a society, seem to have lost … Continue reading Lovingly disagreeing
Some are okay; many are not
Everyone isn’t in the same “place” as you are. That statement is true physically, but also mentally. We are scattered all over the geographical map. But we are also experiencing different stresses, strains and emotions right now. I think that’s just good to remember. Why? Because it changes our behaviour toward others. At the start … Continue reading Some are okay; many are not
Are others as messed up as you?
Being aware of your own sin can improve your relationships. I realize that might sound counter-intuitive. When we think of sin we tend to think about how it makes things worse, not better. Yes, I understand that. But those who appreciate the gravity of their own brokenness tend to be less judgmental and superior. They … Continue reading Are others as messed up as you?
Your intentions, not theirs
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). There are times when we talk ourselves out of helping others because we think they’re not deserving of our help. Or maybe we simply assume they’ll squander our generosity on something they shouldn’t. … Continue reading Your intentions, not theirs
Seinfeld and the Good Samaritan
The story of the Good Samaritan is known for what it teaches about showing mercy to others. Luke 10:36-37 famous reports: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus … Continue reading Seinfeld and the Good Samaritan
Showing mercy broadly
In the well-known story of the Good Samaritan, two respectful people—a priest and a Levite—pass by a man who has been stripped, beaten, and left half-dead. He needs help, but they don't. Luke 10:33-34 tell us what happens next: “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, … Continue reading Showing mercy broadly
Imitate God, disappoint Satan
In Luke 6 Jesus is teaching the masses about God’s kingdom and love. He says: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Yup, it’s a tough time. For you, but also for others. That’s why we should show mercy proactively. Is there someone who has said something to you in haste? Is … Continue reading Imitate God, disappoint Satan
