Monday's Blessing
1 Peter 3:18
“Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.”
Gosh, it goes without saying our lives are just too busy today. There are times we just sit an ponder, "Lord, I can't take one more straw. It will break the camel's back." And right about that time someone comes our way looking for a bit of empathy.
"I just can't stay one more minute at work. I have to pick up my kids and get them to soccer," Nancy thought as Beth, a co-worker, sauntered her way five minutes before closing time.
"Hey, Nancy, how was you're day? It seems like you were swamped today. OMG, I just hate the idea of having to go home to John after all this," Nora continued.
"Oh, John's a sweetheart, he'll get through this soon. You'll see," Nancy added picking up her purse quickly and moving towards the door.
Nancy knew first hand the turmoil Beth was in. After all, Beth made a nuisance of herself ever since John lost his latest job again.
"I've got so much to do today. I can't help her. John needs professional help, and I am done offering my advice," Nancy thought as she bolted outside.
We are all so full with obligations. We have our own priorities and important plans and agendas. Sadly, our attitude often is: I don't want to be inconvenienced. Don't bother me with your problems. I've got enough of my own. Then we calmly justify why we can't help that person.
But Scripture says, "If anyone sees his brother in need yet closes his heart of compassion, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:17). Take another look at that verse. God's word implies that we each have a heart of compassion, but the questions is whether it is open or closed.
Furthermore, the Bible says, "We are to continually walk in love, being guided by love and following love" (2 John 6). When God puts love and compassion in your heart toward someone, he's offering you an opportunity to make a difference in that person's life. You must learn to follow that love. don't ignore it. Act on it,. Somebody needs what you have to give.
If you study the life of Jesus, you will discover that he always took time for people. He was never too busy with his own agenda or his own plans. He wasn't so caught up in himself as we are with our own lives. Jesus had compassion for people. He was concerned about what they were going through, and he willingly took the time to help. He freely gave of his life. I believe he demands nothing less from those who claim to be his followers today.
If you want to experience God's abundant life, you must get your focus off yourself and start taking time to help other people. Just offering a listening ear can make all the difference in the world to someone. All you need to do is just reach out and care. We need to learn to be better listeners. Be sensitive to other's needs. Offer them hope in their chaotic world. Give them a a bit of encouragement. Stop, look into their eyes, and take a few minutes to listen.
This Week's Meditation:
Dear God,
Forgive me for the times I have missed the opportunities you sent someone to me. Help me to notice and give compassion to others that need me. Help me to be sensitive to your voice speaking within me. Direct me how I can best help someone.
Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind. And realize God has you in his arms always.
1 Peter 3:18
“Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.”
Gosh, it goes without saying our lives are just too busy today. There are times we just sit an ponder, "Lord, I can't take one more straw. It will break the camel's back." And right about that time someone comes our way looking for a bit of empathy.
"I just can't stay one more minute at work. I have to pick up my kids and get them to soccer," Nancy thought as Beth, a co-worker, sauntered her way five minutes before closing time.
"Hey, Nancy, how was you're day? It seems like you were swamped today. OMG, I just hate the idea of having to go home to John after all this," Nora continued.
"Oh, John's a sweetheart, he'll get through this soon. You'll see," Nancy added picking up her purse quickly and moving towards the door.
Nancy knew first hand the turmoil Beth was in. After all, Beth made a nuisance of herself ever since John lost his latest job again.
"I've got so much to do today. I can't help her. John needs professional help, and I am done offering my advice," Nancy thought as she bolted outside.
We are all so full with obligations. We have our own priorities and important plans and agendas. Sadly, our attitude often is: I don't want to be inconvenienced. Don't bother me with your problems. I've got enough of my own. Then we calmly justify why we can't help that person.
But Scripture says, "If anyone sees his brother in need yet closes his heart of compassion, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:17). Take another look at that verse. God's word implies that we each have a heart of compassion, but the questions is whether it is open or closed.
Furthermore, the Bible says, "We are to continually walk in love, being guided by love and following love" (2 John 6). When God puts love and compassion in your heart toward someone, he's offering you an opportunity to make a difference in that person's life. You must learn to follow that love. don't ignore it. Act on it,. Somebody needs what you have to give.
If you study the life of Jesus, you will discover that he always took time for people. He was never too busy with his own agenda or his own plans. He wasn't so caught up in himself as we are with our own lives. Jesus had compassion for people. He was concerned about what they were going through, and he willingly took the time to help. He freely gave of his life. I believe he demands nothing less from those who claim to be his followers today.
If you want to experience God's abundant life, you must get your focus off yourself and start taking time to help other people. Just offering a listening ear can make all the difference in the world to someone. All you need to do is just reach out and care. We need to learn to be better listeners. Be sensitive to other's needs. Offer them hope in their chaotic world. Give them a a bit of encouragement. Stop, look into their eyes, and take a few minutes to listen.
This Week's Meditation:
Dear God,
Forgive me for the times I have missed the opportunities you sent someone to me. Help me to notice and give compassion to others that need me. Help me to be sensitive to your voice speaking within me. Direct me how I can best help someone.
Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind. And realize God has you in his arms always.
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