Compassion is Winsome

What’s the word that you hope people can one day say of you? There are a lot of terms that I wish to embody; hope I accurately reflect. But I think above any word that could be used to describe me—when my number of days on this earth come to a close—I hope the word “compassion” comes to mind quickly: that it seasoned every conversation, that it fueled me to share the gospel, that is motivated me to joyfully obey, that it softened the appearance of my face, that it caused me to give the benefit of the doubt without pause, that it warmed others in my presence. I think exuding biblical compassion takes care of other notable words—faithful, forgiving, honest, loving, patient, kind, servant-hearted. Compassion embodies them all.

Not to be known simply for compassion’s sake, oh no. But for the sake of the gospel and for seeing others savor Jesus above all else in this world. Compassion is winsome. I want to be compassionate, be known for a compassionate heart that reflected the compassion of Jesus Christ for utmost sinners like me. And even in my failings, which are quite numerous indeed, that Christ’s compassion would cause me to return and repent and walk again in the newness of my life.

Lord willing I have decades to be refined, to be sanctified in this life; but my days are limited and not promised to last. Compassion starts now. Put on a compassionate heart, what a beautiful command.

Colossians 3:12

The Same Haunting Questions and His Abundant Provision

How are we going to make ends meet?

What will tomorrow look like?

Will the fog ever lift?

Will I ever have friends?

Are the funds going to come through?

When will the pain subside?

Will we have enough to provide for our children?

These are all questions that can haunt us at 3AM when sudden panic sets in and the mind gives in to endless wander. The questions that steal our joy as we calculate the total sum for a full tank of gas. The questions that rob of peace when the pain sets in.  The stark reality that circumstances change and we are increasingly vulnerable. It's uncomfortable. The change I mean.  The not-knowing. The pressure of it all.

It's the same set of questions that arrive when we are confronted with our inability to control the chaos that we were born into, and more so the chaos that builds from within. These questions are really nothing new. We've asked them all before. Was there not a point within the last two years when we attempted to answer them?  And needless to say, there will certainly be a time in the coming days that will tempt us to spiral when we gaze at the less-than-favorable circumstances to be our escape, our rescue.

But there is a better way.

Sure, the questions are honest questions. A reaction to the unknown. A begging of relief.  An admission, an understanding that we are painfully finite and grossly limited in our ability to control the future in any real capacity. I don't know the answers to the questions that sneak their way into the hours when shadows lurk on the walls. I may never know.  And I don't have to know because I know our peace is not conditional to our circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13; John 14:26-29). These questions need not produce a jaw-clenching paralysis; let them point us to something better...

To Someone better.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32)

Our greatest need has been met in the complete person and work of Jesus Christ. Freedom purchased for us by his very own blood: freedom from sin and freedom to live a life of joyful obedience.  We were desperately sick, dead in our sins and trespasses, already condemned to hell to be forever separated from the loving kindness of God.  But for those that believe, God has made us alive together in Christ (John 3:16-18; Ephesians 2:1-8).

Our greatest need has been provided for, he will continue to provide all things.

We can not save ourselves. Our circumstances expose our impotence. Our failed attempts convict us. The longings and aches in our soul stand as a scaring reminder. We are unable. But rescue has come. Christ dealt with the one thing we could never do ourself: appease the wrath of God for our every sin and in peace, be reconciled to Him. Christ took our punishment, in our place, what we deserved (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).  He died in our place and then defeated the grave by rising from the dead in our place (Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Our greatest need: to be reconciled to our very good God.  And the way has been made (John 14:6; Romans 10:9). Has your greatest need been met in Christ? If not, these far lesser needs we find ourselves grasping at will cave in on us and suffocate slowly. Turn to Jesus, and find peace for your weary and worn soul (Romans 5, Matthew 11:28-30).

If God has so graciously provided for our greatest need, what is it to him to provide these far lesser needs of ours?

It is his joy as a good Father to lavish his good gifts on those who are called his, all those who have believed in him (Ephesians 1:7-9; Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-34)

So when we ask those questions and are drawn to ask the question, 'Did God really say...?" Remember his past faithfulness in giving you more abundantly than what you deserve. Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me.  Bless his holy name (Psalm103).

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly."

Psalm 84:11

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see."

Psalm 36:7-9

Oh, and taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."

Psalm 34:10

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

Matthew 7:11

"The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hands, you satisfy the desire of every living thing."

Psalm 145:15-16

We have been given Christ. Our greatest need has been met.  God will graciously provide for all our secondary needs. You have tasted the goodness of God, remember his faithfulness. Walk in obedience. Your boast is in the Lord. We need not fear tomorrow.  The time is coming, maybe next week or next year, when you will be tempted to fix your gaze at your situation rather than your Savior.  Avert your eyes and cling to Christ. What a gift you've been given (James 1:17; John 10).

Unity in my Children

 
I look at my kids and see unity.

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They don’t always get along—after all, they have differences of interests and opinions; but, they love each other and want the best for each other. They reconcile and forgive, readily. Not hostile, pursuing one another. They put their arms around each other and laugh. And genuinely love being with and next to one another. Here they all agreed to watch baby einstein because it’s what the twins like—constantly sacrificing their desires and putting others first.

Tomorrow, they’ll still be

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because they are united in one family.

May we be found being like children in the body of believers; after all, we are in the same family. Help me be like this, oh Lord.

"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." - 2 Corinthians 13:11

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"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:35

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"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." - Philippians 2:3

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"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" - Psalm 133:1

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"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." - Romans 12:16-18

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"...urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." - Ephesians 4:1a-3