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compassion

Being compassionately different

January 6, 2023January 3, 2023 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

“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

July 13, 2022July 12, 2022 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

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

April 21, 2021April 20, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

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?

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

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

March 12, 2021March 11, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

“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

February 19, 2021February 15, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

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

February 15, 2021February 14, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

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

October 7, 2020October 6, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

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

Default reaction

July 15, 2020July 14, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In Romans 2:1, Paul offers a warning to those who have been passing judgment on others when they themselves are doing the same things: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same … Continue reading Default reaction

Blessed are the merciful

June 18, 2020June 17, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In Matthew 5:7 Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” As I shared yesterday, my Gingrich New Testament dictionary tells me that someone who is “blessed” is the “privileged recipient of divine favor.” In other words, blessed people have been shown generosity (or favour) from God. Those who show mercy … Continue reading Blessed are the merciful

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