“You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

Luke 6:36 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.6.36.NLT

“I only do this to people I like!” is a phrase I use after teasing someone in a nice way. When I think about the people I love and am in relationship with, it is easy to have fun, play, show love and give care. I think up ways to express gratitude and appreciation.

When it comes to people I am in conflict with, that is so much more difficult. When Jesus spoke these words, “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate….” He was referencing people who are unfaithful or wicked in their own lives. He extended it to people we would consider our enemies. Jesus’ words leading up to this are “He (God) is kind to the unfaithful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

This is some kind of challenge. Thankfully, God understands this challenge. The Holy Spirit gives us the love of God when we want to avoid being compassionate or merciful to people we are at great odds with.

Encouragement:  Consider the people in your life that really get you worked up over their unfaithfulness and downright meanness towards you. Ask God to give you His compassion for them. Experience God’s love and mercy flowing through you. He will do this for you.

Dear Jesus,

It is easy to show compassion to people I love. Thank You for the challenge of extending Your compassion to people that I am at odds with in how they live or how they treat me. Holy Spirit, I need Your help in this. Father, I am so glad You are merciful and compassionate to me, for I have been unfaithful and wicked and You did not give up on me. Let me not give up on others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

-Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center