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
compassion
You + Jesus = Compassion
I have a theory: When you think you’re better than other people, you tend to look down on other people. But here’s the flip side. Your compassion towards others increases when you take seriously the extent of your own need. As humans, we don’t tend to want to acknowledge our own flaws. And don’t get … Continue reading You + Jesus = Compassion
Going out of your way for compassion
Before I tell you about Evan, let me share Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion…” Okay, back to Evan. He was a boy from St. George, Ontario in Canada. He had an inoperable brain tumor. He was so ill that they worried he wouldn’t live long … Continue reading Going out of your way for compassion
Having it all
Yesterday I highlighted something that can rob us of our contentment: always being reminded of what others have (but we don’t). We can sometimes feel bitter when think other people have better stuff, better experiences, better relationships, and better everything. But when you focus on what you DO have you’re less likely to be downcast … Continue reading Having it all
The prayer list
I remember a cartoon that was really funny. An unnamed man sees someone named Bob walking toward him. That triggers in his mind that he had said he would pray for Bob. But he had forgotten! So, very quietly, and as Bob quickly approaches, he whispers, “Dear God, please help Bob.” Seconds later he calls … Continue reading The prayer list
The barrier-destroying basis of our love
Oswald Goulter was a missionary to China for 30 years. On his return trip home, his boat made a stop along the coast of India. While there, he heard about some Jewish people living in barn lofts because they had been denied entry to so many countries. Since it was Christmas time, Goulter went around … Continue reading The barrier-destroying basis of our love
Desensitized
Unfortunately, because we get bombarded by stories of trauma and travesty on a daily basis, we’re at risk of desensitization. Seeing commercials about suffering children used to be alarming. Now they’re “normal.” Hearing about disasters or shootings used to be rare. Now they seem to be commonplace. Nearly every grocery store line I go through … Continue reading Desensitized
Aren’t they all our children?
Several years ago a reporter was covering the conflict in Sarajevo when he saw a young girl get shot. He rushed over to help. By the time he got there another man also wanted to assist. They lifted her into the reporter’s car and set off to the hospital. The reporter drove, and the other … Continue reading Aren’t they all our children?
When they sang Happy Birthday she wept
Tony Campolo is a sociologist who traveled to Hawaii. Because of the time change he found himself wide awake in the middle of the night, wandering the streets, and looking for somewhere to eat. He found a small diner and ordered a coffee and a donut. Soon, a bunch of loud, boisterous prostitutes came in. … Continue reading When they sang Happy Birthday she wept
Valued in his sight
In the Bible, God demonstrates an undeniable, loving concern for the poor and marginalized. They are valued in his sight. Psalm 140:12 comes to mind: “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.” And since God cares about the poor and marginalized, he wants … Continue reading Valued in his sight
