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Sunday, February 19, 2012

Showing Compassion-- Part Two

This is part two of a study on showing compassion to the unsaved.  I posted part one last week---you can read that here.

As I said last week, the Bible says that, as Christians, we are called to compassion.  1 Peter 3:8-9 instructs us in this way:  "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another;  love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous, not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing."

Unfortunately, we often refuse to show compassion to those around us who need it the most.  There are several reasons for this and, if we're honest, we'll see that we are all guilty of the hypocrisy of ignoring those whom Christ would have us minister to.

One reason why we are not compassionate toward the unsaved is that we have a Sense of SuperiorityProverbs 6:16-17 says this"These six things the Lord hates, yes seven are an abomination to Him:   A proud look..."  There are times when we observe someone who is obviously unsaved and we think things like, "I'm better than that."  "I would never do that."  Etc.  This dangerously prideful attitude is displayed obviously on our faces. 

What's that you say?  You've never had the proud look?  You don't even know what it looks like?  Well, then this would be the perfect time for you to go look in the mirror so you can see exactly what it looks like!  In all seriousness though, think about a time when someone has given you the proud look.  It was very obvious, wasn't it?  They might have been trying to hide it, but you saw it didn't you?  Don't be fooled into thinking you can hide the proud look too!  Something that is so important to remember is that many people, especially those who have been hurt by Christians before, are very discerning of false kindnesses and false behavior.

How can I get rid of my proud look?  It's a simple answer but not so easy to put into practice!  Our proud looks will disappear when the sense of superiority is erased from our hearts!  Once we stop thinking we are "better than that" or that we are "above that behavior" and acknowledge that "all have sinned and fall(en) short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), we will have no more problems with the proud look because we won't feel superior anymore!

Confession time!  Do you have a problem with a sense of superiority like I sometimes do?  Comment and let me know.  Next time, I'll share another reason why we're not quick to offer compassion and grace to the unsaved in our lives.

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This article was featured in the 50th edition of The Godly Home magazine.

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for this thought-provoking "talk" and for challenging me to examine my heart and actions. Hmmm,I am thinking on this today.
    I do know, that if I really truly love, there isn't room to judge anyone, or reason not to forgive anything and everything.
    Be blessed!
    Love, Linda

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  2. Yep, sadly we ALL do it. And like you said, anyone who says otherwise isn't telling the entire truth. Thankfully, I have caught myself being that way a couple of times in my adult life, and have quickly prayed on it and given myself a lecture, ha, ha. It's a horrible feeling to realize that. You may not be saying, "I'm better than them", but even if you're thinking you pity them or whatever for their way of life, you're being just as harsh. Great post, again. :)

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  3. Hi Sarah..so glad you stopped by. The Spring Jubilee sure is a nice thing to do. I would love an email! xo

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Mrs. Sarah Coller

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