In Case You Missed It

This is coming your way so you'll be sure not to miss it, as it describes a critical aspect of life in Christ Jesus. As usual, I'll contribute my own take at the end. Enjoy, or be convicted, whichever shoe fits.

Winners And Losers

August 8, 2012 — by Dave Branon

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-12

In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. —Philippians 2:3

Bible in a Year:
Isaiah 37-39

As the NFL playoff game ended and the Green Bay Packers celebrated their victory over the Chicago Bears, my daughter Lisa noticed that her little girl, 4-year-old Eliana, was crying. That seemed odd, since neither of Eliana’s parents particularly cared who won the game.

When Lisa asked Eliana why she was crying, she said, “I feel sorry for the Bears. They look so sad.”

Can we learn something from a preschooler about compassion? In a world where winning is so important and losers get rejected, forgotten, and maligned, we need this reminder: People need compassion. When we see others struggling with a loss are we willing to shed tears with them, put our arms around them, and offer to help?

A number of Scripture passages challenge us to treat others with compassion. Philippians 2:1-3 tells us to think of others above ourselves, looking out for their interests—not just ours. First Peter 3:8-12 reminds us that compassion means treating others “as brothers,” and Colossians 3:12-15 says that mercy, kindness, and humility are marks of those God has redeemed.

Look around you. See anyone going through a difficult loss? Go beyond feeling bad for them. Reach out with compassion and God’s love.

Lord, grant me a heart of compassion So burdened for others’ needs, That I will show them Your mercy In attitudes, words, and deeds. —Fitzhugh

One measure of our likeness to Christ is
our sensitivity to the suffering of others.

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My first impulse upon reading Dave Branon's devotional by was to put myself on the receiving end of the Scripturally mandated compassion. After all, my life of late hasn't been exactly easy, and I need compassion too, don't I?

Well, God gave me a few seconds to enjoy my little pity party before He gently reminded me that NOWHERE in Scripture does He encourage, or even permit, me to feel sorry for myself. He clearly stated His mandate to me in 2Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  (4)  who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Just as self-righteousness leaves no room for Christ to make us truly righteous, self-pity leaves no room for His grace.