Prayer to show compassion
Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
“Therefore, develop compassion, kindness, humility, kindness, and patience, as God chooses, holy and heartfeltly loves.” – Colossians 3:12 NIV
Listen or read:
On Wednesday night we studied Ed Welch’s book, “Caring for others.” Welch’s eight principles are not innovative, not particularly unique, and not something we as church members know about them yet. However, at our last meeting we unanimously agreed that this was the most influential book we had studied that year. Welch takes the time to know and don’t really grasp what they mean, although we know them well. I began to think about how often I read poems in the Bible. My eyes danced from line to line, moving the text quickly. I understand most of the text at the surface level, but I rarely find it left in the choice of words or phrases in the poem.
A few years ago, Bible teachers encouraged us to look up words in texts that are familiar to their definitions as well as their antonyms and synonyms. In doing so, you may be surprised at how the authors will change their understanding of what they are trying to say to us. Our important poem, Colossians 3:12, was the poem we used in our exercises. Many of us are familiar with this text and read similar Bibles throughout the New Testament. As our teacher pointed out, if you have spoken many times about topics, such as how the Bible should dress itself, perhaps we should take special care to learn the text thoroughly.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul says this is how we should live as God’s chosen people, children whom he has distinguished and loved beyond measurement. He uses the word clothing. Think about this: we don’t always wear clothes. We have to wear them. So Paul is pushing us to make sure these are things we have to “wear” or incorporate into our daily lives.
Compassion is a compassionate response to the pain of others.
Synonyms: Empaths: Indifferent
Kindness helps or supports others in need.
Synonym: BlessingAntonym: Disability
Humility means thinking about others more than yourself.
Synonym: MeekNessantonym: PRIDE
Kindness is a kind and comfortable way to do it.
Synonym: SendingSantonyny: Harshness
Patience is the ability to endure difficulties without complaining.
Synonym: Whringnessantonym: Disobedience
What if we summarise Paul’s words with a new understanding of their definition? How will it change or shape how we apply them to our lives? Our lives need to care for others, help them meet their needs, put others first, always in a positive attitude and serve without complaining. Conversely, we need to be careful to avoid being postponed or indifferent to the pain around us. We should not interfere with others. We must be careful about how we speak, not strict or careless, but obedient to what God has called us.
These properties are difficult to demonstrate. Most days it’s more comfortable to wear things I should put off. But we remember the compassion that the Heavenly Father showed us by sending Jesus, His son. We cannot live a perfect life, but we can choose compassion, kindness, humility, patience and perseverance every day. And when our flesh allows us to overtake us, we can rest in the grace and mercy of our father, which we can quickly forgive.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, we are very grateful for the opportunity to read and study your words. Thank you for the Bible gift. Don’t take it for granted that you can open your heart and mind and come before you every day. Lord, we ask that you help us look like you every day. Guide us when we are wearing compassion, kindness, humility, kindness, and patience. Let us not be overcome by our flesh desires. Help us escape from temptation. Say no to allow us to sneak pride in our thoughts and actions. When we sin, help us immediately ask for forgiveness before you and those who we offended. Lord, we love you. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo credit: ©istock/getty images plus/xesai
Laura Bailey is an author and biblical teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, embracing eternity here and now, explores how the timeless truths of the Church can help us today live a more peaceful, purposeful and abundant life.
She lives in northern South Carolina with her husband and three young girls. She is the director of the Ministry of Women at her church. Her passion is to teach the Bible to women and equip them to live in an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at the next event or learn more: www.laurarabailey.com Connect via Facebook and Instagram.
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