Several years ago, our church had a vacation bible school with the theme of, “Some have compassion, making a difference,” from Jude 1:22, KJV Bible. That years VBS continues to stand out in my mind because compassion does indeed make a difference, especially at times when things are not going as you would like or would have planned. I personally struggle with the “action” of demonstrating compassion to others. I have such high regard and respect for the people that can demonstrate this compassion and convey it to others.
There have been so many precious people in my lifetime that I have witnessed to be some of the most compassionate, thoughtful, and caring individuals, not only to myself and my family but to so many others, too many to count. Those people have taught me, personally, how to appreciate and look out for others and show kindness to them, especially in times of need. I have a sincere love for others and wish the very best for others but being able to actually “do” and “show” thoughtfulness does not seem to be a gift of mine as I observe how other dear saints of God display love, thoughtfulness and compassion through their “actions” in various ways. The thoughtfulness that was shown to me and others over the years, and very recently, have sincerely blessed me beyond measure and I often think, why can’t I think of that, or why can’t I be more like that? My heart thinks and cares about people but most of the time, I just do not know how to reach out to them to be a blessing in some way that would truly make a difference.
Most of us have always heard that it is better to give than to receive. Acts 20:35, KJV Bible, tells us just that very thing. Jude 22 states, and some have compassion, making a difference. Compassionate people shine and make a difference, demonstrating the love of Jesus in their character and actions.
Compassion, according to Webster 1828, is a suffering with another; painful sympathy; a sensation of sorrow excited by distress or misfortunes of another; pity. Compassion is a mixed passion, compounded of love and sorrow; at least some portion of love generally attends the pain or regret, or is excited by it. Extreme distress of an enemy even changes enmity into at least temporary affection.
My elderly mother has recently had shoulder surgery which has compromised her from being able to take care of herself as she usually is able to perform independently. Our family has once again, received such care and compassion from several individuals that may never know the impact they have made in our hearts forever. It may have been a meal, going to the grocery store, sending a goody basket, trying to help with equipment, letting us know they were praying or just inquiring about the progress. Maybe you don’t think it matters, but I promise you it does and it demonstrates a love and obedience to Jesus and that is what it is all about.
Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. The things we go though may never be known as to why we go through them but it does not catch God off guard and he is still in control. He wants to work through situations and people to show love and compassion that puts ourselves or others in this path to him. We must give God the glory in all we do or go through. He is worthy and wants to show compassion to us and through us so that he can be lifted up and draw others into his fold. He is really all that matters and in the end it is about leading others to Christ through the good times and the bad times.
I pray God continue to work in my heart to help me be more compassionate to others in their times of need. One thing I have always heard is how we go through some things so that maybe we can help someone else down the road in some capacity. Ephesians 4:32 says, and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Matthew 7:12 states, Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
I believe God gives us his word and wants us to obey his word in all areas. From VBS, to Revivals, to our own devotion times. We need to put action into living out God’s word in our life starting with obedience unto salvation and then taking God at his word and build on his word in every area such as showing compassion to others. I am convinced this will please the Lord beyond measure and will have an impact that could spark a fire and make a difference in even one person’s life that could lead to a domino affect of drawing ourselves and others to Christ in our homes, families, communities, churches and so much more!!! Some have compassion, making a difference, Jude 1:22. Who and what are we making a difference for? In what or who is your passion in which you are showing compassion?
Below are just a few pictures of some people that have made a difference most recently but so many others in our family, church and work families that are not pictured or mentioned but you know who you are and you are in our hearts and prayers forever for your compassion and caring actions to us and so many others!!! Thank you for giving to the Lord! It makes a difference!
Wisdom:Better Than Rubies 